State OKs 2 delayed building projects

Two of IU’s most pressing construction projects are back on track after receiving approval at Friday’s state budget committee meeting.

University spokesman Larry MacIntyre said the budget committee passed two projects, a $1.5 million renovation of IU’s Billy Hayes Track and an $18.5 million parking garage at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Four other construction projects are still on hold, including a $3-million renovation of the IU Athletics Academic Center, a $1.87 million expansion to the Eigenmann parking lot, a $1 million renovation of the Multicultural Center in Indianapolis and a $1.5 million IU-South Bend administration building renovation.

“The University hopes there will be a place to discuss these projects at upcoming legislative sessions,” MacIntyre said.

The projects were added to the committee’s agenda after State Sen. Luke Kenley, who has criticized IU and Purdue University for increasing in-state tuition during a time of economic hardship, reported progress on tuition talks with President McRobbie.

Earlier this month, Sen. Kenley told IU and Purdue that some of their capital projects would not receive approval unless steps were taken to lower the recent tuition increases.

In July, the IU board of trustees voted to increase in-state tuition by 4.6 percent for this school year.

“President McRobbie has been conferring with Senator Kenley, and Senator Kenley has been publicly satisfied with the University’s plans for more accountability,” MacIntyre said.