After long-awaited funding, it looks as if the UTM Fine Arts Building will finally get a new addition, as well as a new look if all goes as planned with Governor Phil Bredesen’s capital appropriations budget for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

“It’s good to finally be able to fund some of these projects that were deferred as we worked to stabilize the state’s budget for the past three years,” Bredesen said as he explained his plans for the budget. “These appropriations are investments for the future, in our institutions of higher learning, our treasured state parks and in our people.”

The $354.6 million capital appropriations budget is calling for a state appropriation of $61.8 million, with the remainder in federal appropriations and state bonds.

$13.9 million of the capital appropriation budget, along with $1.5 million of the state appropriation budget is planning to be used for structural updates on the Fine Arts Building. However, before this project at UTM, as well as the additional projects Bredesen has planned at other universities and state parks, can take place, the legislature will have to pass his proposed budget.

According to Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Al Hooten, the Fine Arts Building has desperately needed a renovation for over ten years.

“We’ve had a lot of problems with the building as far as sound and heating and cooling,” Hooten said. “It needs some major renovations.”

UTM Chancellor Nick Dunagan said he was pleased to hear that the governor had finally approved the university’s request.

“We’re appreciative to Governor Bredesen for including this important facility in his budget,” Dunagan said. “This is especially good news and timely with the music accreditation team’s visit this Tuesday and Wednesday to UTM. With our increased enrollment, capital projects such as this will help us to serve our students.”

If UTM does receive the aid to make improvements to the Fine Arts Building, it is their goal to move the arts that are currently in Gooch to the Fine Arts Building with the help of the new addition. They are also excited to plan some renovation work to be done to the theater.

If Bredesen’s budget passes, the funds for this project should be available by July of this year. However, it will probably take about a year of planning before the project would be bid. Therefore, it is anticipated that it would be Fall 2007 before the building could be closed and construction could be started.

With the Fine Arts Building currently serving as a deficiency for the program as determined by the accrediting agency, it is hoped by many at UTM that the legislation will pass Bredesen’s budget.

Contributions to this story were made by Kevin Teets.