Rep. Summerfield Makes Plea for New UWEC Science Building
Wisconsin Building Commission, local legislators tour Phillips Hall
Eau Claire – Earlier today, Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer) toured the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire’s Phillips Hall with members of the Wisconsin Building Commission, Chancellor Schmidt and other local area legislators to discuss a proposed new science building on the campus.
“I am happy to be joined today by members of the Wisconsin Building Commission and other local Representatives in seeing first-hand the needs of UWEC and its students,” said Rep. Summerfield. “I hope this informative event and tour gives this construction project the momentum it needs to be approved.”
UWEC is currently seeking $256 million for a new science building, $109 million in FY 2019-21 to begin construction and $147 million in FY 2021-23 to complete the project. Phillips Hall has seen extensive repairs over the past several years, maintenance costs alone total more than $85,000 per year. The University also wants to reinforce its already growing community partnerships with local businesses and healthcare organizations. They have collaborated with over 225 organizations since 2013, and have recently formed a partnership with Mayo Clinic to bolster their nursing degree program. A new science building would help both strengthen these current opportunities, and open new ones for the Chippewa Valley.
“The benefits of this project outweigh the cost,” Summerfield concluded. “The Chippewa Valley has the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of healthcare science; we can’t let this moment pass.”
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The 67th Assembly District includes portions of Dunn and Chippewa counties