"see transformation." Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear Signs House Bill 7 Into Law

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2013) – Governor Steve Beshear – joined by UK President Eli Capilouto and state legislative leaders – signed into law House Bill 7 today.

The legislation, which received broad bipartisan support, authorizes the University of Kentucky to move forward with $275 million in self-financed projects that will help accelerate the transformation of Kentucky’s flagship campus.

In all, 11 major construction projects at six state universities, including dormitory renovations, new student centers, and athletic facility improvements will soon be underway thanks to the quick passage of a bill that allows the schools to issue bonds for project financing – all at no cost to Kentucky taxpayers.

In total, the law authorizes $363.3 million in agency bonds by Kentucky’s public universities for campus improvements supported by university revenues. 

The bonds will have an estimated economic impact of nearly $623 million and will support 5,110 jobs.  Each university will issue the bonds over the coming months.

“Because of our universities’ continued good stewardship during tough financial times, approving the use of agency bonds makes good sense for our schools and for our taxpayers,” said Gov. Beshear. “The bonds will meet the growing needs of our universities with no impact on the General Fund, as they will be paid for through existing revenue streams such as student fees and athletic revenues.  Our students need adequate classrooms, housing and facilities, and the issuance of these bonds will accelerate those projects.”

The University of Kentucky plans to issue bonds for three separate projects, and will utilize athletic revenues to help pay for construction of an academic building, which is a first for a Kentucky university.  Athletics will fund $65 million of a $100 million, 263,000-square-foot Academic Science Building, where Donovan Residence Hall currently sits. The current Chemistry-Physics Building is the second most used facility on campus, but is not equipped with modern or technology-rich classroom and laboratory space. Private fund-raising efforts also will be utilized.

“With their strong show of faith in the creative approach we are taking to funding our future, Governor Beshear and our legislature have signaled support not only for three building projects, but for the University of Kentucky’s pivotal role in helping create a brighter tomorrow for our Commonwealth,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “We will honor their support by using this investment to earn our way forward so that we educate even more of tomorrow’s leaders and extend groundbreaking discoveries in ways that enhance communities across Kentucky.”

Legislators who supported the new law were effusive in praising the bipartisan support and the creative approach being taken by universities:

"House Bill 7 is a wonderful example of how bipartisan governing should work. The bill is a result of consensus and will benefit both higher education and taxpayers,” said Senate President Robert Stivers.

“House Bill 7 shows what can happen when we all come together to move Kentucky forward,” said House Speaker Greg Stumbo. “These projects will go a long way to modernizing our public universities, and I want to thank Gov. Beshear and the college presidents for their work in helping to make this possible.”

“I was proud to sponsor House Bill 7 and work alongside Gov. Beshear, Kentucky’s college presidents, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this passed as quickly as we did,” said Rep. Rick Rand, of Bedford. “This will help our students, and provide some much needed job development and growth.”

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