Regents OK budget for UC Merced buildings

There's a budget for new buildings at UC Merced -- but no money just yet.

A construction budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year was approved Tuesday by the University of California Regent's Committee on Grounds and Buildings.

The proposed funding for the projects is from a state general obligation bond, which voters would have to approve next year.

UC representatives at the meeting said it would be a tough go if the ballot measure is included on the November 2010 ballot, which already includes an $11 billion water bond measure. The system could push for a higher education measure for the June elections, they said.

UC Merced holds a decent take of the proposed budget.

At a cost of nearly $110 million, UC Merced plans to refurbish part of the campus' Castle facility, on the site of the old military airbase. It also plans to build a second science and engineering building, social sciences and management building and start environmental mitigation requirements for future projects.

The committee also reviewed the university's building plans through 2015.

Before 2015, UC Merced plans to add a student services building, more housing, administration building, student union and aquatics center.

The Regents will meet again today, starting at 8:30 a.m. They will discuss, among other items, mid-year fee increases for students at all 10 campuses.

The full meeting agenda is available online at: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/regents/regmeet/nov09.html.

Reporter Danielle E. Gaines can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dgaines@mercedsun-star.com.