UW System leaders praised the Legislative Building Commission after it passed Gov. Scott Walker's capital budget proposal, which included a new UW-Madison School of Nursing building.
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly cited a ""strong"" relationship between the UW System and the state in working on the proposed budget.
""It is the result of solid planning, tough decisions and thorough priority-setting,"" Reilly said in a statement. ""Governor Walker and members of the Commission recognize the importance of these facilities to our core UW mission.""
The commission approved a $52.2 million allocation for the building, which will include $17 million from gifts and donations.
The rest of the cost will be supported by a transfer of $17 million from the maintenance budget, as well as $17 million in state support.
UW-Madison originally asked for $34 million in state support, but Walker proposed the current deal. He expressed high hopes for the facility.
""The nursing school will help us address the state's shortage of nurses,"" Walker said in the statement. ""It will allow Wisconsin to train the next generation of health-care professionals so we can meet the needs of our citizens.""
The proposed budget also includes $76.8 million toward the Badger Performance Center, though none of the money will come from taxpayers.
The UW System press release said $49.2 million will come from athletics revenue and the other $27.6 million will come from gifts.
The center will host programs for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the College of Engineering and a clinic operated by UW Hospital and Clinics.
