Gov. Evers looks to spend $1.8B on University of Wisconsin campuses

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 28

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday proposed spending $3.8 billion on building projects in 28 counties around the state, with nearly half directed toward work across the University of Wisconsin System.

The plan will first go to the state building commission on March 23 for consideration, but it would ultimately need the approval of the Republican-controlled Legislature. Republicans slashed Evers' spending proposals on building projects in each of his past two budgets.

Two years ago, Republicans approved spending $1.5 billion on building projects out of the $2.4 billion that Evers proposed. In 2019, Evers' first budget, Republicans approved $1.9 billion out of $2.5 billion that Evers wanted.

WISCONSIN GOV. EVERS WANTS BARS OPEN UNTIL 4 A.M. AT 2024 RNC

Unlike in previous years, which relied heavily on borrowing to pay for the projects, Evers this time proposed paying for about half of the work in cash, citing the state's record-high budget surplus of about $7 billion.

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers proposed $1.8 billion in spending on University of Wisconsin campuses  (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

"Our historic surplus means we have historic opportunity and responsibility to invest in key projects that have long been neglected while still staying well within our means, keeping borrowing low, and saving taxpayers money in the long run," Evers said in a statement.

Evers called for spending $1.8 billion on projects at UW campuses. That includes $347 million to demolish and replace the engineering building on the UW-Madison campus; $231 million to demolish the science building at UW-Eau Claire and build a new facility to house several programs; $182 million to demolish and replace the science building at UW-La Crosse, and $169 million to partially demolish, renovate and build a new art building at UW-Madison.

WI REPUBLICANS PROPOSE BILL THAT WOULD LIMIT TUITION INCREASES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

Two years ago, Republicans approved nearly $629 million in projects at UW, down from the $1 billion Evers wanted.

Other proposed projects include $41 million in fiberoptic upgrades at the state Capitol to improve cellular service; $225 million for health services facilities; an additional $60 million for the already approved construction of a new state history museum near the Capitol; and $84 million for improvements at a variety of Wisconsin National Guard facilities.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

There are a host of local projects, including funding for the Milwaukee Iron District, Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center in Janesville, Green Bay National Railroad Museum, Marquette University School of Dentistry and the Door County Peninsula Players Theatre.