Iowa State asks Regents to approve $2.1 million budget increase for large‑animal ward expansion

Iowa State University asked the Board of Regents’ property and facilities committee on April 23 to approve a revised project description and budget for the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Large Animal Ward 3 expansion.

Sean Reeder, the presenter, told the committee the expansion will add about 21,400 gross square feet to the large animal hospital to expand reproductive services and expand student and resident training. The college anticipates that the facility expansion will support research and clinical offerings in animal reproduction, sports medicine and rehabilitation.

The university said the project was recently bid and came in higher than prior estimates. The board memo requested an increase of the project budget from $12,000,000 to $14,100,000; Iowa State said the increase would be funded by the college and private giving. Reeder told the committee that private giving currently totals just under $5,000,000; a specific figure cited during questions was $4,700,000 and staff said they would include a percentage/commitment breakdown in future board presentation materials.

Regent Hensley asked whether private gifts are required to be in hand when the university presents projects; Reeder said institutional policy is to have funding to cover a project in hand and that fundraising likely will continue as the project progresses. The committee recommended the revised budget to the full board for approval.

Speakers: Sean Reeder (Iowa State presenter) and Regent Hensley questioned financing commitments and timing.