Strong funding for UC Merced

From the Merced Sun-Star, Saturday, Oct. 09, 2010

Strong funding for UC Merced included in state budget

UC Merced has praised the state for allotting more than $100 million to support the school.

The funding entails $81 million for construction of the Science and Engineering II building, $10 million in base funding for operations, $6.5 million for continued site development and infrastructure at UC Merced and $5 million in supplemental operating funds, according to UC Merced officials.

"We are very pleased that the approved state budget reflects the critical importance of higher education to the people of California," said UC Merced Chancellor Steve Kang. "We expressly thank Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has enthusiastically supported UC Merced since before the campus opening in 2005. His readiness -- along with the Legislature's -- to include these funds this year attests to their commitment to UC Merced and to the growing contribution this campus is making to the San Joaquin Valley and the state."

UC Merced spokeswoman Patti Waid Istas said the funding offered by the state was the amount the school had anticipated.

"This is a perfect example of us working with the state to accommodate more students and faculty," she said.

Construction on the Science and Engineering II building will begin this academic year and should be completed by fall 2014, she said.

Full article at http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2010/10/09/1603452/strong-funding-for-uc-merced-included.html

Not to worry!