SPI Insights

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is requesting state funding in the next biennium with a focus on applied sciences and technology capital projects.

In its Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) filed on October 12 with the Legislative Budget Board, SFA is seeking funding for three exceptional items that would help the university expand its technology curriculum and adjust to new industry standards.

SFA is requesting $53 million in capital funding for an Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences Building, which will provide contemporary laboratories and classrooms for multiple cooperating and interdependent academic programs.

The building will contain offices, classrooms, laboratories, greenhouses, and related facilities for academic departments and programs in agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, forestry, wildlife, geospatial sciences, and geology.

A $45 million Agriculture and Technology Complex would include a 30,000-square-foot teaching arena with an attached 24,000 square feet of classroom space that will contain agricultural engineering technology and industrial engineering technology programs.

These facilities will allow the university to expand programs including advanced manufacturing, industrial supervision, construction supervisors, construction managers, industrial engineers, wholesale and manufacturing representatives, and veterinary technologists.

The university plans to award architect and engineering contracts followed by Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contracts for these two buildings.

SFA is proposing a $2 million Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation to bring faculty and students together with business, industry, education, and community partners in interactive environments.

In addition, SFA is seeking the restoration of the 5 percent biennial reduction that amounts to $402,990 made during the FY 2022-2023 biennium.