$2.2 billion for higher education facilities in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has approved legislation authorizing $2.2 billion over the next decade to renovate and replace outdated facilities at state colleges and universities, the first major investment in campus construction in 13 years. The bill sets aside up to $1 billion for the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts and $1.2 billion for the 24 state and community colleges. Projects include a new $100 million science building at UMass-Amherst, $100 million for a new academic building at UMass-Boston, and $70 million for a new business school and for a marine science facility at UMass-Dartmouth.