As the Georgia General Assembly convened in January, Gov. Nathan Deal submitted his budget proposal for fiscal year 2017, which will begin July 1. The proposal includes equipment funds for a key capital construction project for UGA and pay increases for state employees.
“We’re very appreciative of the support Gov. Deal and the board of regents have demonstrated for this important project as well as for our efforts to recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff. I am hopeful that these initiatives will move forward in the legislative process,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead.
The governor requested $5.9 million in equipment funds for Phase II of the Terry College’s Business Learning Community. Phase I, Correll Hall, is complete and was fully funded by private donation. Phase II, which includes Amos Hall, is under construction with $43 million in state funds and $14 million in private funds, which already have been committed.
The planning and design of Phase III was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents this year. This phase would add approximately 70,000 square feet of space for classrooms and faculty and staff offices to support several academic centers. The proposed $42 million budget for this phase includes equal public and private contributions, creating a 50/50 public-private partnership for the $140 million three-phased Business Learning Community project.
The governor’s budget proposal also includes 3 percent raises for all state employees.
“UGA is committed to serving the state of Georgia, and key elements of this budget would ensure that we continue that service,” said Toby Carr, UGA’s associate vice president for government relations. “The much-needed salary increase would help us hire and keep the best faculty and staff. Furthermore, the Business Learning Community is already teaching our future business leaders to grow Georgia’s economy.”
