$1 million more alotted for auto-diesel

A last-minute $1 million appropriation to Montana State University-Northern will put the university over the top in its goal to build a new auto- diesel facility on campus.

Sen. Kris Hansen, R-Havre, added an amendment to a long-range building appropriation bills that gave Northern the money it needs to construct the facility.

The bill sailed through the Senate and the Montana House with little opposition. All Hi-Line lawmakers voted for it. It now goes to Gov. Steve Bullock for his signature.

"This is a great day for Northern," Interim Chancellor Greg Kegel said Thursday.

The 2013 legislature appropriated $7.9 million for the building that had been in the talking stages for six years. In all, $4.9 million was to come from the state, Kegel recalled, while the campus was to raise the other $3 million.

Just as the university was close to its goal, the cost estimates rose $2 million, he said.

Hansen's legislation authorizes the university to raise $1 million more. Kegel was confident that goal would be met. The university is already well on its way, he said.

Last week, when the university realized what straits it was in, Kegel said he called Hansen and asked for help. She immediately agreed.

"This building has been her baby for years," he said.

Kegel said he was pleased with the support Hansen's amendment received from lawmakers of both parties and from all parts of the state.

"This is important to more than Northern and the Hi-Line," he said. "It is important to the state and beyond.

Because of state support and the backing of so many private donors, Northern will not have to skimp on the project.

"We didn't have to shrink this or cut that," he said.

Graduates from programs that will be taught in the building are virtually assured of jobs, school officials say. Enrollment in the program is expected to increase sharply once the new building is opened.

Kegel said he first thought ground could be broken on the project this fall, but he decided to wait until "as soon as the snow leaves the ground next spring."

In the meantime, he said, school officials will look for a place to conduct classes after the existing 61-year-old building is demolished and before the new building is completed..

He said he was looking at a location in downtown Havre that is available now. He wasn't sure it would still be for rent next year, though.