Dayton’s Bond Plan Includes $12.38 Million for SCSU Eastman Renovation

ST. CLOUD - Part of Governor Dayton's $1.4 billion proposal released Friday includes $12.38 million to go to St. Cloud State University for its renovation of Eastman Hall.

SCSU president Earl Potter says if the money is approved by the Legislature, the building would be updated to hold several programs.

"It would bring together our psychological counselling, our medical services and academic programs in wellness. It will offer tremendous learning opportunities for our students in health and human services."

The renovation would also include creating an outdoor study space and cafe area adjacent to the Beaver Island walkway and Mississippi River.

Eastman was built in 1929 and was home to the original school gym and swimming pool. Potter says the building is historic, but its exterior has been maintained well.

"The facility staff have done a great job of maintaining the 'shell'. The floors are in great shape, there's no leakage or buckling. It's a great historic facility."

The bonding proposal also includes $1.27 million for SCSU for general maintenance upkeep.

Dayton's proposal includes millions for upkeep at public universities, rehab projects at state parks and water infrastructure projects. The proposal also put an emphasis on public safety, with money to expand prisons amid overcrowding concerns and to build less-restrictive faciliteis for sex offenders.

The Legislature will have it's own ideas for how much to spend when they return in early March.

-This story was written with information from the Associated Press-