The Louisiana Legislature has approved legislation allocating $529 million for building projects at state colleges and universities. The proposal awaits Gov. John Bel Edwards' signature.
The Lafayette Daily Advertiser reports that the money will go toward replacing and renovating old buildings on campuses over five years.
"Having facilities that are modern, that are technologically aligned to the 21st century, that have systems — HVAC and mechanical — that are cost-efficient and ecological is extraordinarily important to a student," University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson says.
The Louisiana State University system would receive nearly $340 million for projects at its colleges, medical schools and sites
The state flagship and main campus in Baton Rouge will receive the bulk of that amount, although not all in the next fiscal year. LSU would receive $222.7 million.
The University of Louisiana system would receive more than $152.5 million for projects.
The Southern University system would receive more than $26.5 million.
The Louisiana Community and Technical College system, which has 12 colleges across the state. is being allocated nearly $10 million.
