The University's requests for state funding for 1990-1991 construction projects have been submitted to the state House of Representatives.

Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Centre) said yesterday he submitted the University's $196.6 million capital budget request before the House closed its December session. The University requested $176.9 million for new construction projects and $19.6 million for equipment purchase and previously-funded projects at University Park and Commonwealth campuses.

Although submitted in December, the capital budget is usually approved in late June, when the state general funds budget is nearly finalized, Herman said. The state legislature is required to have its budget approved each year by June 30.

The bill has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee where it will be reviewed. The committee will send the bill on to the House with a recommendation, but there is no time frame of when that will occur, Herman said.

He added he expects the state House and Senate to pass the bill as submitted, but added that Gov. Robert P. Casey can veto certain items within the final bill before signing.

"But I would certainly hope Gov. Casey would pass this bill without deleting any necessary projects," he said.

Among the requested projects are:

-- A $65 million heating, chilling and incinerating plant on the east side of campus and renovation of the chilling plant on the west side of campus make up the University's first request.

-- A new library and classroom building at the Capital College at Harrisburg ranks second.

-- The building of a new chemistry facility at University Park. The $21.4 million building, listed as third priority, would allow the University time to renovate Chandlee and Davey Laboratories.

-- Construction of a new $4 million Paul Robeson Cultural Center at University Park is listed as fourth priority in the request. A new building to house the center was originally demanded by a group of 167 students who took over the Telecommunications Building in spring 1988 to protest the University's "insensitivity" to minority concerns.

-- The construction of an $8 million administration building at University Park. The new building, listed as the eighth priority, would allow the University to vacate some of the offices currently being leased downtown and relocate them on campus.