Monday Update: Capital Investments

Published: January 4, 2021
By: Scott Menke, Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration and John Bruch, Director of Facilities Management

Capital Investments

$54,639,000. This number represents the current investment being made by the state of Wisconsin in the University of Wisconsin-Parkside learning environment. This investment addresses needed infrastructure upgrades and provides for space enhancements that will have a positive and lasting impact on the students we serve, both currently and in the future.

Projects included in the $54,639,000 are as follows:

  • Wyllie Hall Renovation - $35 Million
  • Campus Fire Alarm System Upgrade - $6.7 Million
  • Campus Utility Tunnel Repairs - $4.8 Million
  • Greenquist Hall 220 & 370 Lab Remodels - $2.5 Million
  • SAC Pool Infill/Indoor Turf Center - $1.75 Million
  • SAC Bleacher Replacement - $988,000
  • Multi-Building Dust Collection System - $840,000
  • Greenquist Hall Fire Door Replacement - $726,000
  • SAC Roof Section 1 & 3 Replacement - $500,000
  • Various Small Projects - $835,000

Currently, the Wyllie Hall Renovation, the Greenquist Hall Lab Remodel and the SAC Turf Center projects are actively under construction. The lab remodels and the turf center work will likely be completed in the spring of 2021. The Wyllie Hall work is progressing nicely and we expect significant progress will be made through the summer of 2021. The Wyllie Hall Renovation project is expected to be completed in 2022. Click here to see updates from our Wyllie Wednesday segment and here to watch the Pool fill-in Time Lapse.

2021 will continue to be very busy as most of the other projects on the list move into the construction phase. These improvements are needed and may cause some disruption on campus . We appreciate your patience with the construction projects and will do our best to minimize any disruption to our campus community as work on these projects progress.

As we enter 2021, the campus will be submitting another 6-year capital budget plan for consideration. Our goal is to continue to secure funding to invest in campus infrastructure that enhances the learning environment for our students, faculty, staff and the community.

Feel free to contact John Bruch or Scott Menke if you need additional information or have questions about these projects.

Financial Resources to Mitigate Increased Expenses Related to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we operate as a campus and has significantly impacted our finances. We have experienced increased operating costs and reductions in revenues. Federal CARES Act funding has helped to offset some of the increased operating expenses and lost revenue. Approximately $3.2 million has been allocated to our institution through the CARES Act. These funds are being used to cover housing, dining, and parking refunds, increased technology costs, testing and tracing costs, costs associated with additional cleaning efforts, furniture storage, COVID-19 related leave, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

In addition to the institutional funds, UW-Parkside received $1.9 million in funding through the federal CARES Act to provide grants to help students during these difficult times. The UW-Parkside Foundation also provided funding through its Future Focus Fund. From these two funding sources, over 1,500 grants were awarded to students through an application process managed by the Financial Aid Office. These funds were used by students to cover a variety of expenses, including technology, housing, food, utilities, and medical expenses.

The CARES Act funding received to date covers COVID-19 related financial needs through the Fall term. As you may have read in the press, Congress and President Trump agreed to a second covid relief bill and this bill will provide resources for colleges and universities and students. We will know more about the details in the coming weeks. Please continue to work with the Controller’s Office to track costs and lost revenues that may have the potential to be reimbursed should funding become available.

If you have questions or need additional information please contact Ann Iverson or Scott Menke.

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