Governor, legislature approve ‘historic’ facility funding for CSC

Recently-passed legislation grants Chadron State the largest facility appropriation in the institution’s 101-year history.

The legislation was introduced to the Nebraska Unicameral Jan. 17 by Sen. John Harms, of Scottsbluff, and Sen. Lavon Heidemann, of Elk Creek.

The initial bill, LB1019 requested $13.7 million for Chadron State’s Armstrong Gym renovations; however, the bill Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman signed Monday was revised and provided $6.7 million, contingent upon CSC raising an additional $2 million in “private and other funds” for the project.

The appropriation comes from the Nebraska Capital Construction Fund.

Built in 1964, Armstrong Gym has not undergone a major renovation since its original construction.

“Heating and ventilation systems date to original construction and the building lacks air conditioning,” the Appropriations Committee’s budget recommendations for the 2012-13 year stated.

“Every athlete that goes in there, quite frankly, is at risk,” Harms said about Armstrong’s weight room during a Jan. 31 Appropriations Committee hearing at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

“I’m really very surprised, to be honest with you, that they’ve gotten by with the Fire Marshal,” Harms said.

Dale Grant, Chadron State College’s vice president for finance and administration, said Monday that the governor and legislature’s financial support means that CSC can begin firming up dates, and estimated construction could start as early as spring 2013.