State-Journal.com - Library expansion high priority

Projects at Kentucky State University, Boone National Guard Center and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives top the list of priorities for state capital improvements in Frankfort.
The Capital Planning Advisory Board met Friday to discuss capital project requests from several state agencies and public universities. The board uses the recommendations to create a six-year capital projects plan that is incorporated into the budget process. Members include representatives from the legislative, executive and judicial branches, as well as members of public.
An $11.1 million plan to expand the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort was the top priority for the Education Cabinet. Secretary Laura Owens said the expansion would add more than 16,000 square feet of critically needed storage space.
"They are out of room," Owens said.
The Department for Libraries and Archives is responsible for storing, cataloging and protecting important records from courthouses across Kentucky. Without more space, Owens said the documents are inaccessible and stored in an unprotected environment.
The project was a priority during the last capital project proposal, but the cost estimate has now increased 38 percent to more than $11.1 million. Owens attributed the increase to rising construction costs.
Chief Financial Officer Alice Johnson presented a laundry list of desired projects for Kentucky State University, including $6.2 million for renovations to the Betty White Nursing Building. The project has been included in five prior capital project requests and was vetoed by Gov. Ernie Fletcher during the 2006 legislative session.
"These needs are vital for achieving the goals set by the legislature," Johnson said.
The estimated cost increased 26 percent due to inflation and the current bidding climate, Johnson said. She said the project is essential to KSU because there are more than 80 students waiting for a spot in the program.
"The current facility is inadequate for meeting the needs of the medical instruction necessary for the program," Johnson said.
Other requests from KSU included:
>$17.6 million to build a new business and technology center
>$1.9 million for roof repairs
>$53.6 million for a performing arts center
>$4.2 million for capital renewal and maintenance
>$27.4 million to renovate Carroll Academic Services building
>$3.3 million to renovate Rosenwald building
>$2.5 million for new boilers and pollution control
>$1.8 million for new life safety upgrades
>$3.7 million for online security infrastructure and improvements
>$4.3 million for a new aquaculture research facility
The Department of Military Affairs also presented plans for capital improvements to the Boone National Guard headquarters, including $250,000 for a 5,000-square-foot physical fitness center. Federal funds would provide $750,000 and the center would serve Guard soldiers and state and federal civilian employees.
A request for $650,000 would fund a 12,000-square-foot metal storage building to house maintenance equipment. It would replace a similar structure at the Maryland Avenue Armory in Frankfort.
If approved, a $1 million request would be used to complete a 500-seat auditorium at the Guard headquarters. The project has been on hold since 2004 because of the war on terrorism and includes $750,000 of federal funds.
A proposal to demolish and rebuild the Human Resources Office at the National Guard headquarters would cost $3.5 million. The building is located where the proposed Army Aviation Support Facility would be located, which includes six Chinook helicopters.
For the sixth time, the department also requested $1.2 million to fund renovations at the Kentucky Military Museum. The museum is housed in the oldest pre-Civil War arsenal still in existence and was built in 1850. The arsenal is located in Frankfort and is on the National Register of Historic Places.