As the legislative session drew to a close, positive news came for Georgia Tech with the agreement of both chambers to the conference committee report on the FY12 budget.  Included among the recommendations was funding for the completion of the Institute’s primary capital project and an additional allocation for GTRI.

Tech’s primary capital request, the Eco-Commons/Storm Water Relocation Project, received bond funding of $4.2 million.  This allocation, which will complete the project, will support infrastructure improvements that will allow for future campus growth. 

Also in capital funding, the University System (USG) received $45 million in bond funding for Major Repairs and Rehabilitation.  Though this total is less than the original request of $100 million, it will allow for vital improvements to be made to aging facilities throughout the system.

Tech got an additional boost in the form of a $100,000 allocation to the Georgia Tech Research Institute for the Direct to Discovery  program.  This program focuses on providing STEM education content to rural Georgia schools.  Pilot programs have occurred in Barrow and Ware counties.

The USG was not immune to the challenging financial environment.  No new funds were approved for the Formula Fund allocation in the FY12 budget.  These funds are typically used to compensate for enrollment growth in the system.

“We are appreciative to our General Assembly colleagues for their generous support of the Eco-Commons and Direct to Discovery program,” said Dene Sheheane, Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.  “Though we are disappointed by the lack of Formula Fund growth, we certainly understand the fiscal reality and stand ready to assist the state in recovery as we can.”

The FY12 budget must still be reviewed and approved by Governor Deal before going into effect on July 1.  The governor has 40 calendar days to act on the budget before it goes into effect.