$50M included for MSU in federal legislation

Missouri State University is set to receive $50 million from the federal government for its Temple Hall expansion project.

The funding is part of the $1.5 trillion government funding bill approved by the U.S. Senate last week. MSU spokesperson Andrea Mostyn said $30 million is coming from the Health Resources and Services Administration, with $20 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The MSU funding is among Show-Me State priorities secured by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, according to a news release.

"Missouri is on the cutting edge in areas like health research and precision medicine, ag and food innovation, advanced manufacturing, technology, defense aviation and geospatial intelligence," he said in the release. "Smart, targeted federal investments will allow our state to continue growing our footprint in these areas that are critically important in the 21st century economy."

Temple Hall, home to MSU's College of Natural and Applied Sciences, is slated to undergo a 65,000-square-foot addition and renovation of its existing 126,000 square feet, according to a request for qualifications for a construction manager issued earlier this year. The RFQ indicates the project cost could start at $60 million, though school officials say the development is approaching $80 million.

Blunt vocalized his support for the project during a visit to MSU's Temple Hall in October, according to past reporting.

The Springfield Daily Citizen was first to report on the $50 million in funding for Temple Hall.