Iowa Governor Culver: We Will Rebuild The University Of Iowa

Governor Culver signs I-JOBS bills into law with $100 million for UI disaster efforts

May 14, 2009 -- IOWA CITY – Nearly one year after record floods destroyed many landmark buildings on campus, Iowa Governor Chet Culver today traveled to the University of Iowa, where he signed Senate File 474, which provides $100 million for the University’s disaster recovery efforts as part of the Governor’s $830 million I-JOBS Program.

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“One year ago, Iowans watched as this world-class institution was inundated by the worst natural disaster in our state’s history,” said Governor Culver. “We made a commitment at that time to do everything we can to rebuild this world-class institution, and today we make good on that promise. This legislation will provide much needed support to the University as it recovers from last year’s floods. As Governor, I will not rest until our rebuilding efforts are complete, and we have created the safer, stronger Iowa we all know is possible.”

The Governor signed Senate File 474 into law, which allows for $115 million in academic revenue bonds, with $100 million going for disaster recovery efforts at the University of Iowa. The Governor signed the legislation at Hancher Auditorium, which was damaged beyond repair after last year’s flooding. Other university landmarks hit by the flood included the Art Museum, the Iowa Memorial Union, and the Iowa Advanced Technology Labs. These funds will be used to help the University build a new performing arts center out of the flood plain, as well as repair or rebuild other facilities on campus.

The legislation also provides $15 million for a new veterinary animal hospital at Iowa State University.

Earlier in the day in Marshalltown, the Governor signed Senate Files 376 and 477, which direct the state to issue $650 million in bonds to be used to pay for infrastructure needs statewide. Included in these two pieces of legislation are:

* $185 million for capital improvements, including $22.5 million for the Iowa Veterans Home;
* $118.5 million for local infrastructure projects;
* $100 million for vertical infrastructure projects;
* $50 million for bridge improvements;
* $55 million for sewer upgrades;
* $46.5 million for targeted disaster recovery projects;
* $35 million for housing projects;
* $25 million for watershed and soil conservation improvements;
* $25 million for broadband; and
* $10 million for renewable and alternative energy projects.

“Rebuilding Hancher Auditorium and the campus of the University of Iowa is an example of the big and bold strategy which will put people to work, improve our economy, and enhance our cultural and academic attractions here in Iowa,” added Governor Culver. “It’s our duty to rebuild this great university, and to help students and families continue to know that the University of Iowa is not only open for business, but remains a national leader in education!”

In addition to the bills signed today, an additional appropriation of $65 million was approved by the legislature for transportation projects, including $55 million for local road projects and $10 million for multi-modal transportation.

Source: Iowa Governor