OSU expansion in Newport in Governor’s Budget
From Rep. David Gomberg
Governor John Kitzhaber’s budget proposal for Oregon’s 2015-17 biennium includes funding for construction of the planned OSU Newport campus at the current site of the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in South Beach. The university has requested $25 million in state bonding authority to support the $55 million project cost.
“This remarkable expansion of our Marine Studies program will place Oregon squarely in the forefront of ocean and climate science research worldwide. Confirming the construction funds is a real step forward for OSU, for Newport and all of Lincoln County.” said State Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis).
“The 500 upper-division students and 100-plus faculty and staff will be a real shot in the arm to our economy year-round,” Gomberg added. “I have been involved with OSU since my time as student body president in the 1970’s and this is truly one of the most exciting developments I’ve witnessed in all that time. I would like to thank President Ray, Dr. Cowen, the OSU Foundation board, and Governor Kitzhaber for coming together on this historic project.”
Gomberg, along with his colleagues in the Oregon Coastal Caucus, have been vocal supporters of the OSU expansion since its inception. The legislature is set to vote on a budget by July of next year.
Last summer an anonymous donor awarded OSU $20 million toward the project. The OSU Foundation and the State are committed to funding the remaining $35 million. For more information on Governor Kitzhaber’s proposed budget, please visit www.budget.oregon.gov.