The campus Student Life Center is one step closer to becoming a reality.
House Bill 473, which includes amendments that would allow the U to take out a $42.5-million bond to pay for the building passed out of the House on Monday. It will now go to the Senate for approval.
The center was originally removed from the Legislature’s agenda because lawmakers said it did not have the necessary votes to pass out of committee.
But a quick amendment made to the Revenue Bond and Capital Facilities authorization for higher education spending by House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, resurrected the plan.
While the bond for the center has not officially been approved, Kim Wirthlin, the U vice president of government relations, is optimistic that the bill will pass.
The bond for the building will not be officially approved until $15 million in private donations has been secured to help offset construction costs.
The Student Life Center would feature exercise facilities, a media center, a swimming pool, a juice bar, classroom space and study areas.
It is estimated that the center will be completed in six years and would be paid for in student fees once finished.