Indiana State University
 
The Indiana State University Board of Trustees approved Thursday plans to move forward with phase one of renovations to the Hulman Center.
 
Built in 1973, the Hulman Center is in need of renovations, including replacement of outdated and obsolete mechanical and electrical systems.
 
The Indiana General Assembly appropriated in 2015 $37.5 million to renovate the multipurpose facility. At the time, the state funding was intended to be matched locally and fund the addition of a conference center, said Diann McKee, senior vice president of finance and administration and treasurer for Indiana State.
 
University officials now favor a phased approach, with phase two adding a conference center at a later date.
 
“After working with our local partners and recognizing the fiscal constraints of the city and county governments, the university is asking the trustees to move forward with this project,” McKee said. “There’s no harm in a phased approach to anyone involved. It will result in a better Hulman Center.”
 
Some of the facility’s current limitations include having only one elevator and a loading dock not designed for modern needs.
 
Phase one, not to exceed $50 million, includes replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, failing exterior metal panel cladding and curtain walls. Also included will be updating safety systems for key areas of the existing catwalk above the bowl area and new fire protection system.
 
Funding for phase one would consist of the state-appropriated $37.5 million and $12.5 million from university gifts, cash reserves and non-fee-replaced borrowing.
 
“We are interested in phase two and will help make phase two happen,” said President Dan Bradley. 
 
The board of trustees’ unanimous authorization allows university officials to develop a financing plan for the renovation, to obtain the necessary state approval, to enter contracts to design, construct, equip and to finance the renovation of Hulman Center.
 
The design work for the project is complete, although it will need to be adjusted for the new phased approach, McKee added. The goal is to accept bids by early February 2018 and start construction thereafter, she said.
 
Construction, estimated at two years, will be scheduled to not interfere with commencement or basketball season, McKee said.
 
“By using a phased approach, we get started now and solidify the state funding,”  Trustee Ed Pease said. “We improve the facility and give our partners more time to get their financial plans in order and be able to proceed with a convention center.”
 
The next meeting of the Indiana State University Board of Trustees is set for Oct. 20.

Office of Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb has authorized the deployment of Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) support and resources for the Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts underway in Texas. Additionally, he has authorized Indiana’s National Guard to begin preparations to deploy Hoosier guardsmen and resources if needed.

“When another state is devastated by a natural disaster, Indiana is committed to providing resources to help response and recovery efforts,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are ready when called to serve and respond. I pray for the safety of all the citizens, first responders and volunteers in the days and weeks to come.”

The Indiana National Guard has begun preparations and planning to mobilize personnel and resources as needed to support Hurricane Harvey efforts.

“Preparing to support civil authorities during a time of distress is what our soldiers and airmen train for,” said Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “If called, we are prepared to respond.”

Two DNR swift water rescue teams consisting of 28 total Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers and one administrative employee will be deployed. A support team consisting of six first responders from the IDHS District 4 Task Force will also be deployed. IDHS also will release 206,760 MREs from its inventory to support relief efforts.

The swift water rescue teams will conduct search and rescue operations, provide basic life support and medical care, transport stranded citizens to secondary rescue locations and support other urban and air search and rescue efforts.

IDHS District 4 is comprised of Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties.

“Indiana first responders and emergency management professionals frequently work with colleagues in other states to share resources and expertise,” said IDHS Director Bryan Langley. “We are ready to lend whatever help we can to assist the families affected by this disaster.”

IDHS manages emergency response policies, protocols and procedures among Indiana responders. Learn more about its efforts to keep Hoosiers and Americans safe at GetPrepared.in.gov.
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Follow the Indiana National Guard for updates at facebook.com/IndianaGuardsman or twitter.com/INGuardsman.