Ridge announces more funding for construction

Gov. Tom Ridge announced last week he will release $18 million in state funds for two Penn State construction projects, according to a Penn State press release.

At University Park, the state will contribute $8.8 million for the design of a 200,000 square-foot chemistry building, which is expected to cost more than $52 million.

The governor also released $9 million for construction of an activity center at Penn State Erie, which will include a gymnasium, track, natatorium and bleachers.

Ridge made the announcement as part of a five-year capital funding program, which has given Penn State almost $70 million since 1997.

Ridge's announcement came less than two weeks after the release of his 1999-2000 budget proposal.

The budget disappointed Penn State President Graham Spanier with a lower-than-expected increase in Penn State funding.

-- by Daryl Lang