University of North Georgia officials are busy with the funding process to renovate what will become the former Lanier Technical College site.
The location, adjacent to UNG's Gainesville campus near Oakwood, will require $18.9 million over three years to renovate for university use, according to Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the university.
Speaking to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Thursday, Jacobs said it will require $3 million in the budget this year. UNG Director of State Government Relations Ben Jarrard has been working through the process, according to Jacobs.
"We have permission from the system to ask for our legislators to fund the beginning of that facility, and we are getting tremendous traction."
Late this year, Lanier Tech is expected to move to its new campus being built on Highway 365 at Howard Road in Gainesville. Jacobs said UNG hopes to begin the move-in and renovation work on Lanier Tech's old campus in early 2019.
As officials work on funding for the effort, Jacobs identified four programs that are proposed to move into Lanier Tech's current facilities.
One of them feeds a $9.5 billion industry in the state.
"As we add more space in the Lanier Tech property for film and digital media, including a sound stage, it will give us opportunity to grow even more with that," Jacobs said.
The Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis, nursing program and some visual arts could also make the short move.
Also at Thursday's chamber meeting, Jacobs joked a little with the Lanier Technical College President, busy with a large construction project and his school's pending move.
"I will say publicly, Ray Perren has been a joy to work with as we've gone over with our tape measures and measured the drapes. He has stood aside and let us do it, so it's been wonderful."
