By Jalyn Bolyard, Online Editor
West Liberty University has secured funding to repair or replace elevators across campus. The upgrades were first announced in a Hilltopper Headlines email sent out on Oct. 24.
The university received funding from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) for the elevator upgrades.
“Our goal is to complete it within one year,” said WLU President Dr. Stephen Greiner. “Completion of this project will enhance safety and convenience for our entire campus community.”
According to Vice President of Finance and Administration Roberta Linger, the funding received was a “result of a system wide bond refinancing.” Other public W. Va. institutions also received funding from the refinancing.
“West Liberty University is fortunate to receive one time funding as a result of savings from refinancing a statewide public higher education bond,” said Greiner. “The purpose of the funding is to provide West Virginia public colleges and universities financial assistance for their highest priority safety projects. WLU’s highest safety priority is the repair/replacement of campus elevators.”
The first elevator to be repaired will be the one located in the Elbin Library. Colaianni Construction, Inc. won the bid to work on the elevator.
The work should not interfere with students accessing the library as the process will begin sometime after May 2019 graduation.
Currently, the university is in planning stages to accept bids on three other elevators. According to Linger, the additional elevators being looked at are located in dorm buildings. This includes Hughes Hall, Krise Hall and Beta Hall.
According to Linger, the university is hoping to complete most of the work as possible next summer. The funds, however, will remain available to the university for the next two and a half years. At this time, there is no plans to update other elevators on campus because the planned ones will exhaust the funds received from HEPC.
“[I hope this] provides improved service and safety to our students, faculty, and staff,” said Linger.
Photo Credit: Jalyn Bolyard
