State Building Commission authorizes funds to address needs

Dollars will renovate ag program labs, replace chilled water system

Oct. 16, 2024 - Students at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will have improved learning opportunities and the university’s athletic facility will receive an upgrade, thanks to funding approved earlier this month by the State Building Commission. 

The commission on Wednesday approved $160.8 million in projects at Universities of Wisconsin schools and in communities across the state. The expenditures approved by the commission include $50 million for 50 projects that are part of the Non-State Grant Program included in the 2023-25 state budget to address critical infrastructure needs.

Included in that funding is $2.69 million to renovate laboratories in UWRF’s geology, conservation, engineering, and engineering technology programs. 

The remodeled engineering and engineering technology labs made possible by state dollars will separate existing lab spaces from classrooms and will allow students to work independently while classes are taught, according to Joel Peterson, professor and department chair of agricultural engineering technology. 

In addition, the remodeling will allow for such improvements as a walk-in fume hood in the thermal processing lab, where students will be able to conduct hands-on experiments on subjects like conversion of biomass to fuel; floor drains so students can study rainfall and runoff processes; a separate soil grinding room in the soil and water engineering lab; and dedicated space for student clubs, he said. 

“Renovation of the two laboratory classrooms will have a very positive effect on student learning,” Peterson said. 

Renovations in the geology and conservation labs will have a similarly positive impact on enhancing students’ educations, according to Holly Dolliver, geology and soil science professor and chair of the Plant and Earth Science Department. 

“The renovation of these spaces will enhance and expand high impact and experiential learning opportunities for students,” Dolliver said.

The commission also approved $732,200 to connect Knowles Field House to the Falcon Center chilled water system. Those dollars are critical for removing the current cooling system for Knowles Field House and connecting that facility to the Falcon Center’s chilled water system, according to Alan Symicek, chief facilities officer. 

“This will provide reliable equipment to condition the air inside this heavily used multi-purpose facility,” Symicek said.