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Capital Outlay Projects

Bill funds facelift for UNM facilities

Matt Munoz, a specialist at UNM Government Relations, said the funds going to the University are part of an overall bill that also involves city and county projects.

On UNM’s side, the money will go toward various development priorities including health education, engineering and athletics facilities.

“These projects not only create jobs today, but also strengthen our economy by educating the next generation of engineers, teachers, doctors and lawyers, just to name a few professions,” Munoz said. “The governor and legislators recognize UNM’s significance to the state.”

UNM is the state’s flagship institution and has a large impact on the economy in the present and future, he said.

“Additionally, several legislators are alumni and take great pride in assisting us with capital outlay,” Munoz said.

A large portion of the funds UNM will receive will be used to renovate the Farris Engineering Center. The appropriated funds are only a fraction of the $26 million that will be used to modernize the building.

“We have one of the best engineering schools in the United States, but the condition of this building creates complications with research, teaching and other activities related to the operation of the school of engineering,” Munoz said. “Our students will receive a 21st-century engineering education in a 21st-century building.”

Joseph Cecchi, dean of the School of Engineering, said UNM’s senior leadership designated the School of Engineering’s Farris renovation project as the No. 1 priority for main campus capital funding at the 2015 New Mexico Legislative Session.

“We are extremely grateful for the Capital Outlay support from the Legislature,” Cecchi said. “These new funds will allow us to transform Farris into a modern, fully-functional and well-equipped building for teaching and research.”

Munoz said that outside main campus, the Capital Outlay Bill will go toward the UNM Gallup and Taos Tech Career Centers in addition to infrastructure improvements at UNM Valencia.

“Students are the largest beneficiaries of the capital outlay bill,” Munoz said. “UNM is pleased to have the funding to move forward on these projects that are so important to our students and our mission.”

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Matthew Reisen is a staff reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.

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