The University of Texas of the Permian Basin will be moving forward with design plans for a new science and technology building after the UT System Board of Regents approved $56 million in design and development costs for the project at its Thursday meeting in Austin.

The project will be paid for through Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs) and Permanent University Funds (PUF).

The new building is the second phase in the university's Science and Technology Complex, which also includes renovations to the Industrial Technology Building, which are nearing completion, and renovations to the Mesa Building.

"We continue to make significant changes to the face of this campus,"
President David Watts said. "I cannot think of a better way to start the new
academic year than with this wonderful news - we are continuing to grow our
programs and our facilities and our student body."

The science and technology building will be located just east and across
from the library. The project consists of the construction of a new building
with wings for undergraduate and graduate science, computer science teaching
and research, and campus-wide information systems support. The facility
includes classroom laboratories, classrooms, and research laboratories as
well as support space for chemistry, physics, biology and computer science.
Most of the functions that will occupy the new spaces are currently housed
in the existing Mesa Building.

FKP Architects of Houston has been selected as the project architect. Vice
President for Business Affairs Chris Forrest said construction bids are
expected to be issued in late fall hold a groundbreaking in late January.