Pray-Harrold again tops EMU's capital outlay request

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a fiscal year 2008 capital outlay budget request for the modernization of Pray-Harrold, the University's largest classroom building.

The action came at a special Regents meeting Oct. 20.

The estimated cost to renovate Pray-Harrold is approximately $52.7 million. The University's cost share is 25 percent or approximately $13.2 million. The University's cost would increase an additional $2.3 million for non-allowable costs primarily related to temporary space and relocation costs. That would bring the University's total cost to nearly $15.5 million.

CAPITAL GAIN: Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents again made Pray-Harrold its top capital outlay budget request. The estimated cost to renovate EMU's largest classroom building is approximately $52.7 million. The University's share is approximately $15.5 million.

The University's total required share of the project would be provided through the sale of bonds supported by tuition and fee revenue generated by the 4 percent tuition and fee increase that began in fiscal year 2006 to address campus capital needs, said Steve Holda, EMU's interim director of business and finance.

"Pray-Harrold has been our top priority since 1999 because of the condition of the building and the number of students it serves every day," Holda said. "We have identified concerns with the building which include technology infrastructure, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and handicap accessibility."

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