The next stage of the $100 million Camp Randall renovations might be delayed in response to several economic factors, UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley said Thursday.
\There is a possibility that we'll delay,"" he said. ""There is a possibility that we'll decide that everything is in hand and we'll go ahead. I just don't know the answer at this minute.""
Wiley's comments came in response to UW Athletics Director Pat Richter's statements to the Wisconsin State Journal, published Thursday, that further renovations might be delayed.
""There are some discussions we're having about what is the prudent way to proceed because a lot of things have changed since we first got started,"" he said.
The stadium's utility upgrades, the first stage of the renovations, began last week. But the second and third stages, which include upgrades such as the new boxes, restroom renovations and new seats, are being discussed by the Athletics Department.
Wiley said while the plans will only be postponed and not canceled completely, it is important to secure all the departments' revenues before proceeding.
""We're reaching a point where we'll have to decide to go out for bids and get contractors,"" he said. ""And I am determined that we will not do that unless we're absolutely sure that we've got all the revenue streams lined up that are needed to pay for the bond over a 20-year period.""
According to Wiley, two events have significantly affected the Athletics Department's budget and may cause it to reassess its revenues. One is increase in security as a result of Sept. 11.
""The athletic department has had an increase of about a quarter-million dollars a year in expenses due to security,"" he said.
In addition, last summer the state Legislature cut $75,000 to the Athletics Department for women's sports. Together, the two account for about a $1 million loss.
""I need to know how we're going to make that up before we go on,"" Wiley said.
He also said he would need to make sure donations are secure before proceeding.
Wiley said he does not want the department to go into debt and is currently meeting with others to evaluate the project's status. An announcement will probably be made within the next month, when the department reports its progress to the Board of Regents, he said.
Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Steve Malchow acknowledged the economic factors, but said the Athletics Department is currently continuing its renovation plans.
""The world's changed a lot since 9-11,"" he said. ""The economy's changed a lot, so we're continuing to move ahead with our business plan and when we get to the deadline point then we'll have to make a determination if we're ready to move forward.\
