Gov. Snyder Approves Grand Valley's New Science Lab Building

DETROIT -- Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill Monday in Detroit that gave final approval for Grand Valley State University's proposed science lab, classroom and office building.

The building was the university's No. 1 priority in its request for funding. The $55 million dollar complex will receive $30 million from the state and will expand Grand Valley's ability to educate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The university will sell bonds to cover the $25 million needed to complete the project.

"I want to thank Gov. Snyder and the Legislature for investing in Grand Valley State and its students," President Thomas J. Haas said. "We're committed to supplying the state with the talent it needs for its future prosperity. The new labs and classrooms will expand our capabilities in educating students interested in pursuing fields in the STEM and medical professions. The state is bolstering our own investment, and students and the entire state will ultimately benefit."

The 145,000-square-foot building will be on the Allendale Campus and will create 950 temporary construction jobs. Construction will begin in 2013, with a target move-in date of fall 2015.