University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan on Tuesday issued the following statement in reaction to Gov. Dave Freudenthal's 2011-12 budget recommendations:
"Despite the nation's challenging economic environment, Gov. Freudenthal's budget recommendations demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the momentum of the state and the university, particularly in areas of academic and research distinction.
"UW's budget request is essentially status quo, especially regarding institutional operations and the university's block grant. The UW Board of Trustees was mindful of the decline in state revenues when it approved UW's budget request this summer.
"In terms of capital construction, the governor favorably forwarded both of UW's requests -- to build a new Fine Arts building and to renovate Downey Hall. Both projects will be paid for through bonding supported by university resources or existing student fees. No state funds were requested and student fees will not be increased to accommodate the construction costs. The governor is helping us help ourselves during this fiscal downturn.
"Gov. Freudenthal also approved the bulk of our request to expand UW's efforts to seek a vaccine for brucellosis and to continue an initiative which the legislature began in 2009. After experiencing budget reductions of $18.3 million in June 2009, we intentionally did not request those funds be immediately restored. With the support of modest tuition increases, UW will continue to maintain its momentum, especially with quality student instruction.
"I am particularly pleased with the extraordinary financial support UW's energy initiatives have received under these budget recommendations. These programs, projects, and initiatives are all supported by historic Abandoned Mine Land funds, which were not adversely affected by the economic recession. These funds provide the resources to truly be cutting edge from a research perspective and to advance Wyoming's tax base by ensuring Wyoming coal is competitive in the long run."
The governor's recommendations relating to UW's budget requests can be found atwww.uwyo.edu/president/outbox under "Budget Planning History."