Tech Seeking Funding For Second, New Engineering Building

Tennessee Tech will seek state funding in next year’s budget for a second, new engineering building.

President Phil Oldham said the project was not the next priority, but the state has opened proposals for a second round of capital outlay.

“This one is on the lines of advanced construction and manufacturing engineering,” Oldham said. “Keep in mind, that is on our campus master plan, has been on our campus master plan for sometime, and it just so happens that it really meets the criteria for this competition.”

Oldham said projects most address state workforce needs and community engagement in order to qualify. Oldham said other capital projects would not have competed well in this aspect.

“When you have these one-off opportunities, you sort of have to step back and say what’s on our campus master plan that could compete effectively for this type of opportunity,” Oldham said.

The proposed facility will be 80,000 square feet and would be the home of the university’s foundry. The estimated cost of the project is $62 million.

The Advanced Construction and Manufacturing Engineering Building is in addition to a state Capital Budget request that was approved at the board’s June meeting dealing with the renovation of Johnson Hall and demolition of Foster Hall.

Both of these capital projects are subject to a recommendation by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and action by the Tennessee General Assembly.