Congressman Charles Taylor to Seek $6 Million in Federal Funds for UNC Asheville

Congressman Taylor makes announcement

At a press conference held on the UNC Asheville campus September 7, Congressman Charles Taylor announced that he will request $6 million in federal funds to help equip the new Science and Multimedia Building at UNC Asheville. The $22.2 million classroom and laboratory building, funded through the statewide 2000 Higher Education Bond Referendum, will provide a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, learning and undergraduate research in the fields of chemistry, biology and multimedia arts and sciences.

Funding for equipment for the new high-tech science education facility is an extension of the Education and Research Consortium, Congressman Taylor said. Fiber-optic cables have been installed from the ERC facility in the Federal Building in downtown Asheville to Robinson Hall on the UNC Asheville campus. The state-of-the-art laboratories will complement other science-based teacher training programs such as the Pisgah Forest Institute and new engineering programs in the Western Carolinas. The improvements at UNC Asheville enhance a bio-informatics network that also includes Western Carolina University, Furman University, Clemson University and UNC Charlotte, he noted.

"I am proud to offer my support for this project," said Congressman Taylor. "Education has always been one of my top priorities. Many of our local students attend UNC Asheville and they deserve every opportunity to get the finest education possible. These new high-tech science labs will complement, rather than duplicate, education opportunities that are available at other institutions within the ERC network."

UNC Asheville's plans for the facility include energy efficient laboratories and, to that end, UNC Asheville is one of only 13 institutions in the nation to partner with the EPA-sponsored Labs for the 21st Century Pilot Program. The University has also set environmentally sustainable design and construction standards for the project for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. The 88,000-square-foot building will be sited within the academic core of the campus, adjacent to Rhoades-Robinson Hall and Ramsey Library.

"We want to thank Congressman Taylor for recognizing the tremendous impact that this science building can have for teaching, learning and undergraduate research in the fields of chemistry, biology and multi-media arts and sciences," said UNC Asheville Chancellor Jim Mullen. "These funds will allow UNC Asheville to equip state-of-the art science laboratories where our students will become prepared for the jobs that will grow our region's economy."

Construction is expected to being in spring 2005. It will take approximately 24 months to complete the project.

O'Brien Atkins Associates of Raleigh is the project designer and Suitt Construction, also of Raleigh, is the construction manager.

Media Contacts:

• Deborah Potter, Congressman Taylor's Press Secretary, 828/251-1988
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526