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Pray-Harrold renovation project makes Gov. Granholm's Capital Outlay executive budget recommendation

PRAY-HARROLD IN PLAY: Pray-Harrold, Eastern
Michigan University's largest and oldest classroom
building, is included for renovation in Gov. Jennifer
Granholm's 2008 Executive Budget Recommendation
for Capital Outlay. Granholm has recommended that
state bonds be used to cover $44 million of the costs
related to the project. Granholm's recommendation
has to pass muster with the Legislature.

Governor Jennifer Granholm has issued a 2008 Executive Budget Recommendation for Capital Outlay that calls for the renovation of the Pray-Harrold classroom building on the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) campus. If approved by the Legislature, the $57 million renovation is expected to bring more than 120 high-paying, construction-related jobs to eastern Washtenaw County.

"The Governor's plan recognizes what an important partner EMU is to the economic future of Southeast Michigan," said EMU Executive Vice President and Provost Don Loppnow. "When combined with the ongoing $100 million renovation to our Mark Jefferson Science Complex that is financed by the University, the Pray-Harrold project will allow EMU to be a driving force in preparing Michigan's workforce to successfully compete in a global economy by positively impacting the education of thousands of students."

In the near term, EMU officials expect the renovation of Pray-Harrold to bring more than 120 construction-related jobs to eastern Washtenaw County and generate tens of millions of dollars in regional economic activity.