<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1TfMYl_1GtYp8un00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1TfMYl_1GtYp8un00" width="1170" height="637" ><figcaption>A concept design of the proposed student union building that has had its construction delayed due to raises in the cost for materials. Photo obtained through Paul Morris.</figcaption></figure>In spring 2024, Utah Tech University students voted on a new Student Union Building that was estimated to break ground in 2026. As the year comes to an end, there has been little mention of the project this year.Following the approval of the project, controversy surrounding the inclusion of an increase in student fees to fund the project got backlash from some students who didn’t agree with student fee’s going towards a building rather than their education. With no groundbreaking happening in 2026, questions about the progress made have surfaced.According to Paul Morris, vice president of administrative affairs, the project is still going to happen, although some setbacks have delayed the completion of the SUB until 2031 and cannot begin until all of the funding is on hand. “Although there have been soft construction start dates circulating around campus, the construction can not start until the funding is in place,” Morris said. Inflation has played a significant role in the rising estimation of the cost of the project. According to Sherry Ruesch, assistant vice president of facilities management inflation has caused a $20 million dollar increase in the cost of the SUB, bringing the estimated cost from $58 million to $78 million.“The project is still in the funding accumulation stage. By the end of the fiscal year, the building fund is estimated to be 6.6 million dollars,” Morris said. “Although the project will not begin construction until the funds are on hand, the project account is expected to reach 78 million in fiscal year 2031.”Fuel costs play a major role when it comes to construction projects according to economics professor Munir Mahmud. He explained that current high fuel costs is just one of the many ways that increases the cost of a project.“For construction, one of the biggest costs is because of transportation,” Mahmud said. “The cost of every material that they use goes up.”Mahmud explained that a potential alternative to save money would be to use different materials, but noted that it isn’t ideal if you want a well-done project.“They can kind of control the inflation by switching the material, but you don’t want them to make it from cheap material, right?” Mahmud said. “You want it to be a good building, so no matter what inflation is going to have an impact, especially if it continues to get delayed.”Utah Tech has no plans to cut corners in that regard, but also acknowledges that higher cost.“Because campus buildings are constructed to meet State of Utah Standards, we build 50-year buildings out of concrete and steel. The cost is higher than a hotel or off campus building due to these standards,” Reusch said. “Outside of the construction cost, there are soft costs such as design, inspections, furniture and equipment. Those soft costs are approximately 25% of the overall project cost.”With higher costs, Utah Tech is seeking a variety of ways to fund the project. Outside of the student fees, donations, state dedicated project funds, bond issues and institutional funds. Morris said that until that funding is found, a contractor will not be assigned to the project.With large amounts of money being spent on university projects, concerns over funding can be common, but Morris considers the SUB an important and worthwhile project.“It is important to note that a beautiful new student union building is very important in retaining current students, attracting new students and thus helpful in strengthening the education operating revenue of the school,” Morris said. “The funds used to build the new student union building will be appropriated, donated or borrowed… These funding sources have little or no impact on the educational operating funds of the institution.”Morris acknowledges that this is a big project, but hopes to bring to life a project that was originally drafted up by students. The original design was set to feature a variety of dining services, a campus store, a large event space, a larger Utah Tech Student Association meeting room, a wellness center and more general student space. It’s planned to be placed where the Student Activity Center currently stands. “Utah Tech is working diligently to accumulate funds for the student union building, including launching the largest capital-raising campaign in school history,” Morris said. “The plan is to build the student union building as originally envisioned by students.”</div></body>

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In spring 2024, Utah Tech University students voted on a new Student Union Building that was estimated to break ground in 2026. As the year comes to an end, there has been little mention of the project this year. Following the approval of the project, controversy surrounding the inclusion of...

Utah Tech Continues Work Toward New Student Union Building Despite Financial Setbacks

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In spring 2024, Utah Tech University students voted on a new Student Union Building that was estimated to break ground in 2026. As the year comes to an end

Utah Tech Continues Work Toward New Student Union Building Despite Financial Setbacks

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