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Committee approves UK $115 million parking and recreation expansion; student fee to rise $21 per semester
Summary
The committee approved a public–private lease-purchase plan for the University of Kentucky to expand Parking Structure 7 and add 40,000 square feet to the Johnson Center; the project is legislatively authorized at $115 million and includes a $21-per-semester increase in the student recreation fee.
Frankfort — The Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee unanimously approved the University of Kentucky’s proposal to expand Parking Structure 7 and enlarge the Johnson Center recreation space under a public–private partnership.
Jennifer Fraker, director of government relations at the University of Kentucky, and Elizabeth Baker presented the proposal. Fraker said growth from hospital expansion and other capital projects will eliminate roughly 1,900 parking spaces and that rising student enrollment has pushed recreation facilities beyond capacity. The university seeks to add about 1,200 parking spaces in an expanded Parking Structure 7, increase surface parking, and add roughly 40,000 square feet to the Johnson Center, connecting the two projects.
Fraker said the project is proposed as a public–private partnership with Cygnet Real Estate Group and is “legislatively authorized for $115,000,000” to be financed through lease-purchase financing. She told the committee the university’s recreation fee — $74 per semester since 2013 — will see a student-approved increase “$21 per semester next school year,” and that even with that increase UK would remain below many peer institutions in recreation fees.
Fraker also cited university data indicating students who use recreation facilities at least once are “7% more likely to stay enrolled.” Committee members asked whether the Johnson Center would offer community memberships; university staff said the center is open to students and staff who may bring guests for a modest fee and that information about community membership fees would be provided later.
Senator Fromire made the motion to approve the development agreement and Representative Walker Thomas seconded. A roll call recorded unanimous approval. The committee did not attach additional conditions in the hearing record.
