Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to report that the legislature has approved Governor
Bredesen's proposed capital maintenance projects for UTC for the next
academic/fiscal year.  In addition, the State Building Commission has
approved the projects, and we can begin the search for project architects
and engineering firms to be selected soon by the Building Commission.

Grote Hall renovation and improvements......$4,250,000

Elevator and Fire Protection Systems Upgrade ......$1,900,000

Metro Building renovation and improvements ......$2,350,000

In addition, the State Building Commission gave approval to commence
self-funded projects as follows:

Campus Landscape ......$1,400,000

Athletic Strength and Performance Center ...... $2,000,000

Demolition of North Stadium ......$500,000

(We already had been approved by the Building Commission for construction
of the self-funded Student Wellness Center in a budget range of
$13,000,000. That construction also will begin in 2004 - 2005.)

Thanks to the governmental relations efforts of Tom Ballard, Missy
Crutchfield, and of course, Joe Johnson himself.  This is a significant
series of investments in our campus.  I appreciate, too, the excellent work
of Richard Brown, Tom Ellis, and Janet Spraker in getting the necessary
materials together for system and legislative consideration.  Phil
Scheurer, Alvin Paine, George Criss, and Eli Fly have been most helpful in
getting these projects to this funded stage.  Thanks to faculty, Deans, and
staff who use these facilities for their expert assistance in determining
our needs and options for enhancing the facilities.

Our campus master plan and strategic planning of some years ago continue to
pay dividends to the enhancing the learning environment of the campus.

Thanks, again, for helping the campus get the resources.  We will depend
again on faculty and staff for best advice about completing the renovations
now possible.

Bill