SCSU Prepares For New Science Lab Construction, Hockey Center Renovation [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD - St. Cloud State University has been given $42 million in bonding money to build a new Science and Engineering Lab.

The money is part of a $500 million bonding bill approved by the state legislature this week.  Steve Ludwig is the Vice President for Administrative Affairs at SCSU.  He says they're not exactly sure yet when they can begin construction.

Ludwig says the other issue is with the state's Management and Budget office.  It's also unclear how quickly they can get back up and running, so they can appropriate the cash.  He says, once the project does get going, they expect construction to take 16-20 months.

The building will be located near the Wick Science Building.

Meanwhile, the state government shutdown ending means the renovation of the National Hockey Center can finally get started.  The project was suppose to start a couple weeks ago but it had to be put on hold because it needs permits from the state and approval from the state management and budget office.  Ludwig says SCSU is hoping to get going with the renovation as soon as possible.