Governor Henry Signs Higher Education Bond Bill
Press Release Date: 04-01-2005
Oklahoma governor Brad Henry signed a $475 million higher education bill into law on March 31. The final version of the bond measure, House Bill 1191, was the result of a compromise among the governor and Senate and House leaders. The bill includes $475 million in bonds for higher education improvements and a $25 million bond bank for future projects for colleges and smaller universities.
The bill will provide approximately $10 million to Southeastern Oklahoma State University for the following projects:
- General Classrooms, Computer Science & Occupational Safety & Health Complex
- Renovation of Morrison Building
- Renovation of Science Building
- Renovation of a building for Theatre Department
- Additions & Renovation of Academic Support Services Building
- Installation of an ADA elevator in Administration Building
These projects, combined with a number of other projects unrelated to the higher ed bill which are currently under construction through other means of financing, will bring approximately $49 million in facility improvements to the SOSU campus over the next 3 to 5 years. These projects include:
- New Student Union
- New Shearer Residence Hall & Suites
Also, as the result of last year’s May 11 sales tax election approved by Durant voters, the following improvements will be made to SOSU’s athletic facilities:
- At Paul Laird Field: Artificial turf, new home locker room to be located in the south end zone as part of a new entryway, and seating improvements to the west side.
- New 4,600-seat arena—convocation center
- New tennis courts complex
In addition, the University is in the process of raising funds to build a new intramural complex—baseball field. Southeastern to receive $10 million from bill; campus to see $49 million in construction.
