Bonding bill provides funds for Nursing Modernization capital project at Anoka-Ramsey

June 05, 2018

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bonding bill on May 30, approving a plan by the Legislature to provide about $1.5 billion in funds for public works and capital projects, including one capital project at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

To support the work of public colleges and universities, the bonding bill marks $45 million for asset preservation and $84 million for individual capital projects within the Minnesota State system, as a whole. The measure will provide for the modernization of facilities at Anoka-Ramsey, funding a capital project for the design of educational spaces in the Business and Nursing programs.

“I am thrilled that Gov. Dayton has signed the bonding bill and greatly appreciate his support and the support of our Legislators,” said President Kent Hanson, Ph.D. “As a college, we strive to provide the best education possible. We believe keeping up with the ever changing landscape of Business and Nursing will ensure our students are successful in these fields. “

Located on the south side of the Coon Rapids Campus, Anoka-Ramsey’s Business and Nursing program areas are in need of updates to support classroom and lab instruction. The Nursing program is one of the largest in the state of Minnesota, graduating more than 3,000 students since 1967. The Nursing Modernization project will modernize, enhance and repurpose classrooms and simulation labs to provide contemporary flexible learning options and to provide physical environments needed for increased enrollment at the community college.  The capital project will also ensure the facilities offer students a welcoming environment and synergy in the educational spaces.

The Nursing Modernization project will include:

• Designs for the renovation of Nursing classrooms and labs, as well as general renovation in the Business and Nursing building
• Updates to facilities that will support an expanding Nursing program and meet the needs of current pedagogy
• Flexible learning classroom environments available for use by all academic programs and departments
• Renovations that impact 19 classrooms and labs, as well as four office suites

The capital project, allocated for design work only, is estimated to cost $569,000, with the design work addressing aging infrastructure while simultaneously ushering in modern classrooms and technology. Following subsequent construction funding, the Nursing Modernization project will renovate 34,505 square feet of space in total, with a deferred maintenance reduction of $4.9 million.

The new capital projects will improve and modernize teaching and learning environments at 10 colleges and universities in the system, including Anoka-Ramsey. The funds provided through the bonding bill ensure Minnesota State and Anoka-Ramsey can continue to meet their commitment to deliver needed talent to local communities, in order to drive the state economy.