U approves building wish list to take to Legislature

The University of Minnesota will request $109.7 million from the state for new buildings and repairs.

Its governing board on Friday approved a list of projects that, with the U's own funding, total $153.3 million.

That request could face an uphill battle at the Legislature, regents acknowledged.

"I wouldn't hold my breath," Regent Dean Johnson said Thursday about one of the projects -- the Physics and Nanotechnology Building.

A breakdown:

Physics and Nanotechnology

Project: A new high-tech building that would house research branches of physics, the Center for Nanostructure Applications and 200 faculty, postdoctoral, graduate and visiting researchers. Right now, physics is housed in the aged Tate Laboratory of Physics, and a new building will make the U more competitive for students and faculty, officials say.

Preservation and replacement

Project: This funding would pay for a variety of repairs and renovations across campus. Two priorities include required improvements to elevators and roof replacements.

Price tag: $35 million (all from the state).

Light rail

Project: The U plans to move several laboratories to avoid the effects of expected vibration from construction and electromagnetic interference from operation of the Central Corridor light-rail line. The Metropolitan Council will jointly request state funding for half the cost.

American Indian Learning Resource Center

Project: The center would gather 17 programs now scattered across the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. It would house both academic and student services. American Indians make up the largest minority population at UMD, the U says.

Price tag: $10.5 million ($7.0 million from the state).

Itasca Biological Station

Project: The U hopes to build new "technology-rich" biological labs and classrooms at the Itasca Biological Station to replace "obsolete laboratories that can no longer support current research," according to the U's description of the project. The field station was established in 1909 within Itasca State Park.