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FY2019 budget to support UMassD learning, research, and community engagement opportunities

The state budget finalized this week includes important ½ûÂþÌìÌà investments that advance the university’s teaching, research and civic engagement mission.

“The final state budget includes important support for public higher education, including critical investments in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ,” Chancellor Robert E. Johnson said. “We are fortunate to live in a state where civil debate, bi-partisan problem-solving and forward thinking define our policy-making. I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration, the Legislature, and our SouthCoast delegation, for recognizing the value of ½ûÂþÌìÌà to this region and its citizens. Here at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we look forward to working with our partners in government to continue building the region’s only Tier 1 national research university.”

Among the key items contained in the budget:

• $2.7 million for the ongoing lease and operation of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (Star Store) in downtown New Bedford.
• $450,000 for the School for Marine Science and Technology to continue research related to fisheries stock assessment.
• $100,000 for the Cranberry Health Research Center for ongoing studies related to the disease-fighting properties of the state’s official berry.
• $80,000 for transportation costs related to the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement America Reads/Counts tutoring programs in New Bedford and Fall River. This is the first year that the university has received this funding.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a major capital construction-financing bill that authorized $950 million in statewide public higher education facilities projects, including $73 million for ½ûÂþÌìÌà projects. The Baker-Polito administration released $25 million in June to support the renovation of the Science and Engineering building.

I want to thank the Baker-Polito administration, the Legislature, and our SouthCoast delegation, for recognizing the value of ½ûÂþÌìÌà to this region and its citizens. Here at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we look forward to