University administrators and students are searching for ways to finance a revamped $4.2 million Paul Robeson Cultural Center after Gov. Robert P. Casey denied the project funding last week.

Rod Snyder, a spokesman for Gov. Casey, said funding was denied this year because it was "beyond the state's ability to pay." The University requested roughly $2 billion from the state in general project funding this year, of which only about $180 million to $200 million could be allocated.

The Governor's office funds health and safety projects -- such as prisons and medical facilities -- and classroom and library space before other requests, Snyder said.

"It can be disheartening, but now the University can look at other means of funding," said Nicole Batts, president of Black Caucus. "We can't rely on the the state."

"I'm hopeful that if we can raise some of the funding privately we can get the rest of the funding approved by the state," said James B. Stewart, vice provost for underrepresented groups.

The request for a new cultural center, which has been housed in its current building since 1971, was one of several demands made by students three years ago during a sit-in at the Telecommunications Building protesting the climate for black University students.

University officials said the new center will remain a top priority on its list of planned projects.

"This project is not going to go away," said Lawrence Young, the center's director. "I'm optimistic that the economy will get itself right and this item will be one that the governor's administration will see as necessary and valuable."

But Batts is less optomistic.

"I think I'll say (the University) has done enough when it's built," she said.

The 51-year-old building -- located on Shortlidge Road behind Ritenour Health Center -- was transferred from Lebanon, Pa., to University Park in 1940. The building now suffers from structural stress, deterioration and inadequate space.

The sound and lighting systems and auditorium floor are being renovated this year to keep the building in operation, Young said.

Several of the University's other high-priority projects were also denied funding this year, said Steve Garban, senior vice president for finance and operations.

A library and classroom building at Capitol College, estimated to cost $16 million, and a $22.5 million chemistry building at University Park were also denied funding, he said.

Funding was approved for a Hazelton Campus classroom building because some money was raised through private sources, Garban added.

"I'm not discouraged by it at all," Young said. "Considering the economy, it's just a bullet that we have to bite."