KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY Board of Regents
DATE:September 6, 2018
SUBJECT:Approval of Atwood Renovation
FROM:Office of Finance and Administration
ACTION ITEM:YES
BACKGROUND: The Atwood Research facility was closed in early 2013 and as a result, the Kentucky State University Land Grant program has very little dedicated research space on campus. Also, additional appropriations received from the Kentucky General Assembly for the Land Grant program led to significant program expansions beginning in fiscal 2017. As a result, the space shortage has become a critical issue facing the program.
The General Assembly reauthorized a federally funded capital project to renovate the Atwood Agricultural Research Building in 2016. Federal funds are authorized up to $7,428,393 for this project. The renovation, along with the Hunter Hall renovation, will provide sufficient space for research, extension and teaching for the Land Grant program for the foreseeable future.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: Working with the Finance and Administration Cabinet, the University has developed a renovation plan and design for the facility. The University will work with the Finance and Administration Cabinet to manage the renovation project. Estimated completion date is fall of 2019.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC GOALS:
Goal 3: Increase the University's Financial Strength and Operational Efficiency
Agricultural research is a foundational activity of the University and this project will provide the facilities needed to support the Land Grant program.