Breaking news: House OKs bonds for Northern's automotive/diesel center

Breaking news: House OKs bonds for Northern's automotive/diesel center

The state House of Representatives has approved a bonding package for the university system that includes $7.9 million for the proposed automotive center at Montana State University-Northern.

The bill passed 72-25. Rep. Wendy Warburton, R-Havre, and Tony Belcourt, D-Box Elder, voted for the proposal. Rep. Kris Hansen was excused.

The project now goes to the State Senate. Rep. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, was excused.

School officials said the project would convert one of the campus' older buildings a state-of-the-art, energy efficient facility.

The 2007 legislature apporbved $800,000 for planning and design of the building, but much of that money was taken away when Gov. b/rian Schweitzer made substantial budget cuts.

Warburton spoke on the House floor in favor of the bonding.

After the session, she said she supported the plan, although she opposes many state spending pacakges.

"The auto deisel building is in critical need of repair, with recent snows bowing the roof and causing leaks and damage," Warburton said.

"It houses one of the best auto diesel programs in the country, and I'm extremely proud that graduates from this program often receive seven or more excellent job offers apiece to consider

waiting for them when they graduate. They need to have a decent, safe facility."

The state House of Representatives has approved a bonding package for the university system that includes $7.9 million for the proposed automotive/diesel center at Montana State University-Northern.

The bill passed 72-25. Rep. Wendy Warburton, R-Havre, and Tony Belcourt, D-Box Elder, voted for the proposal. Rep. Kris Hansen was excused.

The project now goes to the State Senate. Rep. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, was excused.

School officials said the project would convert one of the campus' older buildings a state-of-the-art, energy efficient facility.

The 2007 legislature apporbved $800,000 for planning and design of the building, but much of that money was taken away when Gov. b/rian Schweitzer made substantial budget cuts.

Warburton spoke on the House floor in favor of the bonding.

After the session, she said she supported the plan, although she opposes many state spending pacakges.

"The auto deisel building is in critical need of repair, with recent snows bowing the roof and causing leaks and damage," Warburton said.

"It houses one of the best auto diesel programs in the country, and I'm extremely proud that graduates from this program often receive seven or more excellent job offers apiece to consider waiting for them when they graduate. They need to have a decent, safe facility."