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Morris Library project survives budget reductions SPRINGFIELD, Ill. --With state revenues lagging and expenses for health insurance on the rise, Gov. George H. Ryan proposed a conservative spending plan for state government Feb 20. The fiscal year 2003 recommendation for higher education is $29.3 million, or 1.1 percent below the original appropriations for fiscal year 2002. Ryan asked the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to revisit its request for higher education spending and reallocate funds to universities, community colleges and other higher education agencies based on the funding level he has presented in his budget proposal. For this reason, specific details on SIU's operating budget for next year are not known. On the bricks-and-mortar side of Ryan's budget plan, the University is slated to receive $25.7 million next year for construction of an addition to Morris Library, the second-largest new capital project at any university this year. Funds were included in the current year's budget for planning of the addition and renovation to the 1950s-era library. "I am very pleased that Ryan has included funding in his budget for the much-needed upgrade of Morris Library at SIUC," SIU President James E. Walker said. "The library addition and renovation has been a top priority for this university, and its modernization will benefit students and faculty for many years to come." The University is also slated to receive $800,000 to equip Altgeld Hall and the Old Baptist Foundation building once their renovation is completed. Last year's budget included $10.5 million for renovations and additions to those two buildings. Edwardsville and Carbondale, including the School of Medicine in Springfield, are also slated to receive more than $3.5 million in capital renewal dollars to be used for repair and maintenance of existing buildings on the campuses. March 6, 2002