House OKs $7.9M for Northern auto-diesel center

House OKs $7.9M for Northern auto-diesel center

John Kelleher

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

The bill passed 72-25.

The project now goes to the state Senate where it must receive 28 affirmative votes. Under the state constitution, bonding has to be approved by a total of 100 votes in the two houses combined.

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

The 2007 Legislature approved $800,000 for planning and design of the building, but much of that money was taken away when Gov. Brian 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 packages.

"The auto-diesel 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... 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 auto-diesel building at Montana State University-Northern.

The bill passed 72-25.

The project now goes to the state Senate where it must receive 28 affirmative votes. Under the state constitution, bonding has to be approved by a total of 100 votes in the two houses combined.

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

The 2007 Legislature approved $800,000 for planning and design of the building, but much of that money was taken away when Gov. Brian 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 packages.

"The auto-diesel 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... when they graduate. They need to have a decent, safe facility."