Workers will begin stripping the former Baker University Center of asbestos and lead paint in three weeks - using $883,531 in capital funds to prepare the site for future renovations.
The State Controlling Board approved the funds' release last week, which kicks off a nearly $18 million project to improve the former student union and the Radio/Television Communications Building, Sen. Jimmy Stewart, R-Athens, announced yesterday.
After workers remove hazardous materials, university officials plan to house the five schools of the Scripps College of Communication in the same building, said Greg Shepherd, dean of the College of Communication.
State capital funds will provide Ohio University with $13.1 million total for the project, which has no set construction date yet, said Richard Shultz, university architect and director of implementation.
He added that officials plan to connect the RTV building to the former Baker Center in the future.
Clearing harmful materials will take nearly four months, Shultz said. Designing the new structure will last another 12 to 14 months, he added.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, tweeted about the funding Tuesday, referring to the project as wasteful spending and including it in his top 10 earmarks of the day.
But Stewart said yesterday he thought the government funding would be worthwhile.
I've always thought the students in the communication school have had a good program
but have been a little cramped for space Stewart said. And I think it (the expansion) will be a great addition to OU's facilities.
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Laura Service
