Published: August 03, 2006 08:43 am         

Funding for Univ. Drive

FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University will receive $2.7 million in state funding for improvements to University Drive.

The funding was announced during Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s visit to FSU Wednesday, which was new president Jonathan Gibralter’s first official day on the job.

The project, which will reroute University Drive around the pedestrian crossings between the complex of residence halls and Chesapeake Dining Hall and the academic core of the campus, will enhance student safety, said Gibralter.

Gibralter thanked Ehr-lich for the $2.7 million road project, the $52 million communications building project, which is scheduled for completion in 2010, and his overall support of the University System of Maryland, which he said “is without a doubt the finest system of higher education in the U.S.”

Ehrlich spoke about higher education being an essential part of Maryland’s economy.

He also spoke about the affordability of the University System of Maryland.

“Without affordability, you won’t have a school,” he said. “In-state tuition is the best deal in the world.”

After welcoming Gibralter to FSU, Ehrlich viewed the progress at the Mountain Ridge High School construction site in front of Beall High School.

Allegany County Superintendent of Schools Bill AuMiller and Parent Advisory Council chairwoman Karen Treber thanked Ehrlich for his support of the project.

“We all know that buildings don’t teach, and his school will only fulfill the expectations of our community if our students continue to make improvements in test scores, graduation rates and overall achievement,” said Treber. “But it is inspiration and a symbol of the collaboration and partnerships that took place to make it a reality.”

Ehrlich said he was happy the state was able to fund about three-quarters of the project.

“It needed to get done, and it’s getting done,” said Ehrlich.

State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick was unable to attend; Executive Director of the State Public School Construction Program David Lever attended on her behalf.

Construction of the new school, which will open in the fall of 2007, is expected to cost more than $40 million.

Jennifer Raley can be reached at jraley@times-news.com.