FIU Campuses Expanding, Maturing:
34 Construction Projects, $214 Million in Funding

MIAMI, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2001) - With the new state approval of a list of planned buildings and other construction at Florida's public universities, Florida International University now has $214 million in current projects or jobs scheduled to begin within the next 12 months.

The Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) list for 2002-03, approved last week by the Florida Board of Education, includes more than $40 million in construction funding for FIU. That total includes $10 million toward construction of the FIU College of Law, $14 million toward construction of the new Graduate School of Business building, $11 million for a Marine Sciences building on the Biscayne Bay Campus and $5 million for general infrastructure. The PECO budget moves to the Legislature and governor for final approval next spring.

Already underway or near completion are a number of major, highly visible additional projects, including a Health & Life Sciences complex worth nearly $37 million, $43 million in new residence halls and the Paul R. Cejas School of Architecture, a $16-million facility. A $12-million Executive Center, the first public university building in Florida financed by a college foundation, is almost done, as well.

The windfall in construction monies is a boon for the university, its leaders say.

"Because FIU's classroom, laboratory and office space has lagged so far behind our actual needs since the day the state opened the university, we've always had to be extraordinarily creative in how we manage the facilities we have. The result is that we use our space more efficiently than any other university in Florida, with classes six days a week beginning very early in the morning and stretching late into the evening," said FIU President Modesto A. Maidique. "I believe our new funding is not only the result of state education leaders recognizing the many needs we have, but also their recognition that we manage what we have very well."

In addition to more classrooms and laboratory space, the university is focusing on basic infrastructure needs. FIU's second parking garage, an $8.3-million facility, is nearly complete, and plans are in development for two more. In addition, more than $20 million in maintenance, renovations, utilities enhancements and repairs is underway.

Beyond meeting campus space needs, the FIU construction program provides a boost for the local economy. About 450 construction workers are at work on FIU projects on any given day, and much of the architecture and design work is done by local firms.

Campus visitors and returning alumni who haven't seen the campus for more than a year are unfailingly and pleasantly surprised by the changes, say those leading the construction effort.

"Those of us who have known FIU since it was just an old airstrip on the outskirts of Dade County truly appreciate the magnitude of what is being done on both our University Park and Biscayne Bay campuses," said FIU Executive Vice President Paul Gallagher, who has been with the university for more than 30 years and oversees its construction program. "The new facilities coming on line now and in the near future will enable us to do an even better job of serving our students and the South Florida community."

Projects included in the current construction program are as follows. This list does not include some of the enhancement/maintenance projects.

Media contact: Maydel Santana-Bravo santanam@fiu.edu pager: 305-543-7085 phone: 305-348-1555