$1.99B requested to fund Ga. universities, including $3.5M for UNG project

ATLANTA (AP) - The University System of Georgia Board of Regents is requesting $1.99 billion for its 2016 budget and a separate $254.8 million for facilities.<br /> <br /> Included is $3.5 million in "planning and design funds" for a convocation center at the University of North Georgia (UNG), according to a news release from the board.<br /> <br /> UNG spokeswoman Kate Maine said the need for a convocation center was initially identified in 2009 through the university's (then North Georgia College & State University) master planning process. At that point there was an enrollment of about 5,000 students.<br /> <br /> "The new facility is currently planned for 103,000 square feet and would house components of the Athletic Department, such as administrative offices, coaches and team facilities," Maine said. "Another essential purpose of the facility would be to better accommodate large events, like academic ceremonies, large-scale student events, and sporting events."<br /> <br /> Since the consolidation with Gainesville State College, the university's enrollment has reached more than 16,000 students across four campuses. <br /> <br /> "No facilities within the university's inventory has a fixed-seating capacity of more than 1,049 occupants," Maine added. "The plan also calls for some renovations to the Memorial Hall Gymnasium on the Dahlonega Campus to serve the Health and Physical Education and Athletic Training academic programs that are currently housed there and to provide space for large meetings to support multiple programs within the university."<br /> <br /> MORE ON BOARD OF REGENTS' ACTION<br /> <br /> Board members approved the requests during a meeting in Atlanta Tuesday. Officials say it will now go to Gov. Nathan Deal's office.<br /> <br /> University system officials say the budget request is $46.4 million higher - or 2.4 percent - than the state's appropriation to the regents for fiscal year 2015.<br /> <br /> Officials say the budget request is focused on student retention and achievement, and also accounts for funding increases in health insurance, retirement programs and more.<br /> <br /> Aside from project design and construction officials say the request also includes $19.2 million for the Georgia Public Library System, which is expected to fund computer replacement, repairs and more.<br /> <br /> (AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)