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Independent colleges seek larger state capital grant than governor proposed for three campus projects
Summary
DLS said the FY26 capital budget includes $8 million in GO bonds for grants to Maryland independent colleges; MICUWA representatives asked the General Assembly to boost the total to $11.96 million to fully fund three projects at Stevenson, Hood and McDaniel colleges.
Victoria Martinez presented the DLS capital analysis for the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities (MICUWA) program, reporting the governor’s FY26 allowance includes $8,000,000 in general obligation bonds for grants to private colleges and universities.
DLS’s exhibit identified three projects recommended for FY26 funding: $3,360,000 for a music and performing arts wing at Stevenson University; $2,480,000 for the Hodgson Science expansion at Hood College; and $2,160,000 for the Merritt Hall health‑science renovation at McDaniel College.
Matt Power, president of MICUWA, told the subcommittee the association appreciates the governor’s support but said private colleges are seeking an additional $3.96 million beyond the governor’s allowance. “We are seeking an additional 3.96 beyond what was included in the governor's budget,” Power said. Later in the hearing MICUWA representatives clarified their request totals $11.96 million: “We're looking for 3 for Hood, 5 for Stevenson, and 2.96 for McDaniel,” Power said in response to a member’s question, asking that the committee consider augmenting the governor’s $8 million allowance.
Presidents from the three institutions described the projects’ workforce and educational benefits: Hood College said a renovated annex would expand laboratory and classroom capacity for STEM and health‑science programs and support biomedical training; Stevenson University described a 12,000 square foot addition to its black box theater to house music performance and related classrooms; and McDaniel said the Merritt Hall renovation would create lab and simulation space for neuroscience, early childhood education and allied health programs and expects about 100 graduates annually in high‑demand fields once programs are operating.
DLS recommended approving the authorizations in the governor’s allowance; MICUWA asked the committee to consider supplemental funding to fully fund the three projects.
