Capital Budget Record CBR-02

The facility is to be equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment and furnishings. A communication network will provide instant tie-in with other learning centers to support program requirements and reduce travel needs.

The existing facility supports the University's Nursing program. The additional space will be an extension of that program to meet enrollment projections of the growing program. The new facility will be 19,800 GSF.

--Prior Planning and/or Design - The Betty White Nursing Building was one of the seven facilities on campus that was selected for further assessment in the VFA Facility Condition Assessment & Space Study Project. The report noted: "The space does not appear to meet the current demand for the Nursing program. The Nursing labs do not have up-to-date bed units and mannequins. There are two beds per room and this seems inefficient for today's instructional methods as this is the old infirmary ward setup." The report concludes that the Nursing program would be better off with a new building or a completely renovated facility." KSU 2008 Master Plan estimated construction cost at $311.31.

--Relationship to Other Prior Projects(s) - N/A

--Economic Development Impact - Although it can not be quantified at this time, the connection that this project has to HB1 goals and the public agenda as it relates to increasing high quality opportunities for students to receive an education that ultimately leads to better paying jobs in the state means that there is an economic impact resulting from providing improved facilities that attract more students. More specifically, the State has a shortage of qualified nursing professionals. Our Nursing Program graduated 41 Associates Degree in Nursing (RN Training) and 8 RN-BSN Nursing Bachelor Degree (Post RN) students in 2007.

Growth of KSU's program requires a larger facility, as well as one that supports the latest technologies in teaching strategies and for equipment needed by health care professionals. This renovation would address this and would help to meet the demand that the Commonwealth has for quality health care professionals.

The original cost estimate for this project was $4,900,000. The 2006 General Assembly authorized the project (which was later vetoed) as a state-bond project at the $4,900,000 scope. The cost estimate was adjusted based on inflation and the current bidding climate, and the revised estimate is $7,825,000. The revised estimate has been confirmed by the Ky Division of Engineering.

Betty White Health Center (10,400 gsf) is used as the University health center and nursing program clinical classroom space and office space. The facility is in fair condition and is in need of upgrades and programmatic renovation to provide better functioning space.

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