March 1-3, 2006

ITEM 130-2803-R0306    Authorization to Proceed With Renovations of the Recently Conveyed Former BLM Building in Lewistown, Montana; Montana State University- Northern

THAT: Consistent with the provisions of MCA 18-2-102(2)(c), the Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University Northern (MSUN) to renovate the former BLM Lewistown Field Office, 80 Airport Road, Lewistown, Montana in order to accommodate Northern's educational programs. Estimated cost not to exceed $1,100,000. Private donations and a Federal grant will wholly fund this project.

EXPLANATION: MSU-Northern and Educational Opportunities for Central Montana, Inc. (EOCM) have been working together to create an educational center to serve Lewistown and Central Montana since 1995. In August 2005, MSUN applied for a 100% public benefit allowance discount for the BLM building through the U.S. Department of Education. This application was approved in December 2005 and MSUN accepted the deed to the property February 2006. Approval to accept property was approved by the Montana Board of Regents at the September 22-23, 2005 meeting (ITEM 128-2801-R0905).