Approving the final state budget of his tenure, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the state's FY2011 spending plan on Tuesday afternoon.  The $17.9 billion budget as approved includes the allocations recommended by the General Assembly for Georgia Tech's capital projects and the University System of Georgia's strategic funding priorities. 

The FY2011 budget provides for $7.3 million in bond funding for both of Georgia Tech’s requested capital projects.  The majority of that funding, $7 million, will go toward completing and equipping the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons (CULC).  The CULC has received incremental support by the state in each of the last three fiscal years.  The remainder of the bond funding, $300,000, will go toward the design and planning for the Eco-Commons water relocation project. 

Also included in the budget were increases in funding for the entire University System.  Governor Perdue approved $113 million in new Formula Funds for enrollment growth that will be divided among USG institutions for day-to-day operations.  The budget also provides for $60 million in Major Repair and Rehabilitation funding to be divided among USG institutions.

"We are appreciative of the Governor's consistent and strong support of Georgia Tech and higher education in this state," said Dene Sheheane, Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.  "He has been a friend to the Institute throughout his tenure and understands the value of the University System to Georgia's continued growth."

The FY2011 budget will take effect on July 1, 2010.