MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota will seek $233 million in state funds next year as part of an ongoing project to renovate aging buildings and update research facilities.

The Board of Regents endorsed the capital request Friday. The state Legislature is expected to consider it next session.

If the plan is approved the university would contribute an additional $66 million to the project, bringing the total cost to $299 million.

The upgrades would be for buildings on the school's Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. About a fourth of them are more than 70 years old.

The proposed projects include $100 million to improve energy efficiency and upgrade utilities; and $18 million to improve labs for research on honeybees and invasive aquatic species.

More From AM 1240 WJON