The 2006 Kentucky General Assembly’s work was completed on April 12, 2006, with final passage of the 2006-08 biennial budget and approval of a host of legislative initiatives. The General Assembly’s approved budget included increased operating funds for WKU, operating funds for the Kentucky Academy of Math and Science, and funding authorization for all of WKU’s priority capital projects. On April 24, 2006, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced his final action on the budget which included vetoes of seven of Western’s nine capital projects.
Below is a summary of the legislative priority requests made by Western Kentucky University, the action taken by the legislature and final action taken by the Governor which resulted in the enacted version of the 2006-08 budget. A legislative tracking spreadsheet is also included which lists the legislative initiatives of interest to postsecondary education and more specifically to WKU. In addition, a statement from WKU President Gary Ransdell to the campus community regarding the final outcome is also posted.
WKU Legislative Priorities
Base Operating Budget Increase |
Requested |
Approved by
General Assembly |
Enacted
Budget |
$13,723,400 |
Total Increase: $7,500,000
- $1,700,000 in 2006-07
- $5,800,000 in 2007-08
|
Total Increase: $7,500,000
- $1,700,000 in 2006-07
- $5,800,000 in 2007-08 |
|
Requested |
Approved by
General Assembly |
Enacted
Budget |
2006-07 - $500,000
2007-08 - $2,800,000 |
2006-07 - $500,000
2007-08 - $2,800,000 |
2006-07 - $500,000
2007-08 - $2,800,000 |
State Bond Projects * |
Project |
|
Approved by General Assembly |
Enacted
Budget |
| College of Education Replacement Building |
$35,000,000 |
$35,000,000 |
$35,000,000 |
| Phase III Science Complex: Renovation of Science & Technology Hall |
$7,000,000 |
$9,000,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| Gordon Ford College of Business Replacement Building Planning, Design, & Property Acquisition |
$5,800,000 |
$5,800,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| Phase II Construction of Institute for Combustion Science & Environmental Technology (ICSET) / Materials Characterization Center (MCC) |
$4,500,000 |
$4,500,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| Phase II Owensboro Community College Advanced Technology Center |
$12,536,000 |
$14,055,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
Agency Bond Projects ** |
Project |
|
Approved by General Assembly |
Enacted
Budget |
Phase II Academic Athletic #2/ L.T. Smith
Stadium Renovation |
$25,500,000 |
$25,500,000 |
$25,500,000 |
| Van Meter Hall Renovation |
$16,000,000 |
$16,000,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Renovation |
$8,000,000 |
$8,000,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| Preston Health & Activities Center Expansion |
$10,000,000 |
$10,000,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| North Campus Parking Improvements |
$4,000,000 |
$4,000,000 |
Vetoed by Governor |
| * State Bond Projects are funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky |
| ** Agency Bond Projects are funded by the University but must be authorized by the Kentucky General Assembly |
Statement from WKU President Gary Ransdell to the Campus Community
|
|
