FSU Recommended to Receive Funding for Public Safety Building and Education & Health Sciences Building

On Friday, June 27, 2014, the University System of Maryland Board of Regents recommended that Frostburg State University receive funding for a new public safety building and an Education & Health Sciences building.

FSU was not recommended to receive funding for a new residence hall, but it is still under consideration, according to a university spokesperson. According to the System Funded Construction Program Request, “[The] Frostburg State University project will be considered for funding TBD within the five year plan, pending resolution of issues related to market demand, contracts with existing public/private housing and system financial constraints.”

Residence Life Director Dana Severance said, “The concern was that the state didn’t want us to build a new residence hall until we have a waiting list [for living on campus.]” He continued to say, “Assuming that we get our occupancy levels up through increasing our freshmen classes, we’ll be able to get a new residence hall built within the next five years or so.”

These recommendations still need to be approved by the Maryland General Assembly, since they are state-funded projects. The General Assembly is currently adjourned and will reconvene on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, according to its website.

In its last session, the General Assembly approved preliminary funding for FSU to begin planning the public safety building. The current public safety building was built in the 1950s and is now outdated. Its replacement will better accommodate a modern police force.

According to David Rose, FSU Vice President of Administration and Finance, the current building stands at 2500 square feet. The new building will be 5600 square feet. While the location has not been confirmed, FSU President Johnathan Gibralter stated that the property next to the Stangle Service Building is being considered. SafeRide will have an office in the new building.

The current building, which once served as a school for African-American children, will not be demolished due to its historic value. Rose stated that it will be repurposed.

Pending the General Assembly’s approval, FSU will receive funding to plan the Education & Health Sciences building in fiscal year 2019. Construction will take place in 2020, and the building is scheduled to be completed in fiscal year 2021.