The University can breathe a sigh of relief from here to the state capital since Gov. Tom Ridge once again released funds yesterday for the new Penn State Harrisburg library.

Although former Gov. Robert P. Casey released $600,000 for designing the building, Ridge froze the capital budget hours after he was sworn in. Ridge wanted to review the many projects Casey released funds for in the last month of his term.

"The governor has decided to go forward with all the projects," said John Taylor, deputy press secretary to Ridge.

University President Joab Thomas said although it is a relief to hear the money is now available for one of the University's top priorities, he is not surprised that the governor lifted the freeze.

"I fully expected the governor would do that," Thomas said. "I'm exceedingly pleased that we have the funding."

Because some state projects' funds were released near the end of Casey's term, Taylor said those projects that were not already under construction were put on hold until Ridge could look over the state's finances.

Casey released a total of $37.5 million for different projects statewide between Jan. 1 and Jan. 16, according to a news release. That is a rate of about $2 million a day.

The state is expected to release a total of $17.33 million for the 115,000 square-foot library. Besides the money from the state, the Harrisburg Campus will attempt to raise another $2 million through private gifts to complete the project.

As for future University projects, such as funding for expanding the HUB to include the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Taylor did not know Ridge's stance on the issue.

"Every project will be weighed on its merits and on the availability of funding," Taylor said.

But Thomas remains optimistic.

"I'm very confident that this administration will be far-sighted," Thomas said. "Investing in Penn State is the best investment they can make."