M State campuses in Wadena and Fergus Falls are hoping state funding will pull through for some upgrades.
Members of the House Capital Investment Committee met with M State officials last week as part of a tour of potential construction projects that could be funded in a bonding bill during the Legislature's 2016 session.
Projects on the M State campuses in Fergus Falls and Wadena are both ranked high on the priority list of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which governs 31 two-year colleges and four-year universities in the state. The Fergus Falls project is third on the MnSCU list and the Wadena project is ranked fourth.
The Wadena campus is looking for $800,000 to upgrade its library facilities and entrance way to look more appealing. They say the buildings haven't been updated since they were built in the 60s.
The Fergus Falls campus is asking for $978,000 to put a community workforce center on campus which would bring resume interview and workforce prep education to a central location.
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The school says it's a win-win situation for the school and community.
M State President Peggy Kennedy said the college was pleased to host the visit by members of the House Capital Investment Committee and showcase these top bonding priorities.
"As both M State projects are intended to support student success, I am hopeful they will be funded by the 2016 Legislature, and I am most grateful for the community support of these projects," Kennedy said.
A state Senate panel also could visit the M State campuses as the Legislature prepares to consider a bonding bill during the upcoming session, which convenes in March. Lawmakers typically pass major bonding bills in even-numbered years.
