Madison, WI – Today, Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) celebrated the State Building Commission’s approval of the release of $137.5 million for the renovation of Polk Library at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Senator Dassler-Alfheim was instrumental in ensuring this building project was included in the 2025-2027 state budget. 

“I’ve been fighting for this project since before I officially took office over a year ago. I’ve toured Polk Library, and I can tell you that this project is absolutely necessary to support the research and the work that professors, staff, and students are engaging in. Libraries are the beating heart of any university campus, but the new Polk Learning Commons is going to be so much more than that–not to mention that the improvements and overall reduction in square footage are going to lower utility costs and save money in the long-run,” said Senator Dassler-Alfheim.

Funding for the project was included in the 2025-27 budget signed by the Governor last July. The current building was constructed in 1962 with an additional wing added in 1969. In May of 2024, over 50% of the building’s rated components were found to be in “Poor” condition. The project will demolish and reconstruct the 1962 wing and renovate the 1969 wing, resulting in a facility that is more accessible and energy efficient and reducing the overall square footage, resulting in an estimated savings of $52,000 annually while providing more flexible space to adapt to future needs.

“An investment in UW-Oshkosh is an investment in the families, workforce, and economy of the Fox Valley, and I’m excited to see this project move forward,” concluded the Senator.

Additionally, the State Building Commission approved funding today for improvements to the Winnebago Resource Center’s air tempering system and the Winnebago Mental Health Institute’s HVAC system to ensure patient health and safety and increase system reliability and energy efficiency.

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