ISU greenlights $16 million solar project for engineering college
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — In the Twin Cities, the Illinois State University Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Friday.
Multiple resolutions were on the agenda, with a new energy system as well as pre-construction plans for new dorms topping the list.
Plans for the design and construction of a new solar energy system at the university’s GE Road facility were approved. The facility was purchased from Country Financial back in October 2024 to be used for the new College of Engineering.
The project will cost more than $16 million to complete, but much of that amount will be refunded in federal and state tax incentives, once the project is complete
“Development of this site presents an opportunity to design an academic facility that is innovative, sustainable and cost-effective,” said Aondover Tarhule, president of ISU.
Resuming pre-construction plans for a new dorm and dining facility was also given the green light. This project was dropped back in May 2022 and is being picked back up now.
Tarhule said the dorms will give new students more options and the support they need for their required on-campus living.
“University housing services models, inclusive living learning environments that prepare students to serve the world in positive and transformative ways,” Tarhule said.
“Our long-standing two-year on-campus housing requirement is grounded in student development theory and research that supports first-year students’ academic and social development.”
The new dorms will give the university 900 more beds and a 450-seat dining center.
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