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UVM president asks Appropriations panel for state help to finish multi‑purpose arena as costs climb
Summary
University of Vermont President Dr. Marlene Trump told the House Appropriations Committee the stalled multi‑purpose arena project has seen cost escalation: UVM has spent about $75 million and faces an estimated remaining balance of roughly $100 million; donors await state commitments before signing. Lawmakers pressed whether scholarship funds should instead be used to boost enrollment.
Dr. Marlene Trump, president of the University of Vermont, told the House Appropriations Committee on May 13 that a campus multi‑purpose arena project that broke ground in 2019 has stalled and that rising construction costs have left the university seeking substantial outside funding and possible state assistance.
Trump said the project was originally planned at about $100 million, that UVM has already spent roughly $75 million on demolition, foundation work and interior upgrades, and that cost escalation since the pause has produced an approximate remaining balance of $100 million. She said two large donor prospects have signaled interest but have not signed gift agreements and that several donors want to see a state commitment before finalizing support.
Why it matters: Committee members framed the issue as a budget‑priority choice for the one‑time higher education windfall the Legislature is considering. Lawmakers pressed whether directing money to capital construction would reduce scholarships or other aid that could shore up falling enrollment.
Trump said the university is pursuing a professional reassessment of the project cost and timeline and will provide that study to the board and the committee. If the reassessment and fundraising proceed, she said the university’s goal is to complete the build in roughly three years once funding is secured, though she emphasized timing depends on when gifts are signed and how funds are staged.
On fundraising and donor commitments, Trump said the university is striving to fundraise “every penny” so the project will not rely on student fees for debt service or constrain UVM’s borrowing capacity for academic facilities. She described two signature donor prospects and a larger set of smaller commitments but declined to provide signed dollar amounts, saying donors are waiting to see what the state will do.
Several lawmakers expressed concern about diverting money from scholarship pools. Committee members asked whether the state’s windfall would be better spent increasing scholarships to boost enrollment rather than supporting athletics and event facilities. Trump responded that the Senate proposal would refill scholarship funds over four years and characterized the arena funding as a one‑time, strategic investment she believes will strengthen recruitment and retention in the long run.
The committee also pressed details on materials already purchased. Trump said structural steel purchased earlier is in storage and not perishable, and can be used when construction resumes.
Next steps: UVM will seek board approval to proceed with a professional reassessment and said it will supply the committee the updated cost study, donor status and other requested data. The committee recessed and planned further consideration of budget measures later in the day.
