TAMU Health Science Center may expand to Round Rock

If the appropriation does not succumb to the governor's line item veto power in the Appropriations Bill, the $9 million will be used for "program and planning" for what will be another satellite campus for the Health Science Center, said Gattis. However, he said the ultimate goal will be for the build out of a full medical school to serve approximately 100 students.

Gattis said that initially, the Center will probably look at leasing agreements for classroom areas. With Texas State University in San Marcos operating a satellite campus in Round Rock, the lawmaker said TAMU officials are already talking with Texas State officials regarding partnering for classroom space.

Officials of the Health Science Center are also talking with city officials in Round Rock, officials with Texas State University, Scott and White and other interested parties, said Gattis. He added that with Seton and St. David's systems having hospitals in that area, a partnership with either of both could do even more to "expand the knowledge base."

Gattis said he has been told that the two systems also might be interested in some kind of partnership, but added that was "speculative."

"This will be a phenomenal project," said Gattis, "and will do a lot for Central Texas."