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UConn Seeks Bonds for Research Labs, IT Security and Waterbury Health Upgrades
Summary
University of Connecticut leaders told the bonding subcommittee the UConn 2,000 capital program remains central to state economic growth and requested $20 million in bond authorization for startup packages and lab investments for top-tier research faculty plus $10 million for information‑technology security; UConn Health asked for $43 million in FY27 for deferred maintenance and clinical equipment tied to recent hospital partnerships.
Rodenka Merrick, president of the University of Connecticut, told the bonding subcommittee the UConn 2,000 capital program has driven enrollment growth and economic returns and requested new bond resources to support research capacity and IT protections.
"We are requesting $20,000,000 in bond authorization to support startup packages for top‑tier research faculty," Merrick said, citing the university’s plan to elevate research competitiveness and pursue membership in an association of leading research universities. She also outlined a separate request for $10,000,000 in FY27 to address information‑technology security and infrastructure needs.
UConn’s explanation to the panel distinguished three categories of recent and requested funding: the previously authorized $46.1 million (from FY21) for innovation faculty labs and equipment that has not yet been released; a new $20 million request for laboratories and equipment to recruit nationally recognized research faculty; and IT/cybersecurity investments aimed at replacing end‑of‑life equipment and strengthening vulnerability management.
Dr. Andrew Aguanobi, CEO and executive vice president for health affairs at UConn Health, summarized capital needs tied to recent acquisitions and partnerships, including the Waterbury Hospital transactions. He asked the committee to maintain FY27 authorization approved in prior public acts and to add $30 million for deferred maintenance and $13 million for clinical equipment and IT security in FY27, totaling $43 million.
"These investments are essential to protect the state's assets, support patient care, and ensure that UConn Health remains a leader," Aguanobi said, noting UConn Health’s role as the state’s only public academic medical center and referencing prior authorized but unallocated bond funding from FY24 and FY26.
Committee members pressed university officials on housing arrangements for Storrs campus growth and clarified that a 20‑year master lease for off‑campus beds is a lease rather than a purchase; UConn officials said the university expects to control most of the beds by the coming fall without displacing current residents abruptly. On the $46.1 million authorization from FY21, UConn staff said the funds were never released and the capital purpose has remained consistent — facility and equipment for innovation faculty rather than salaries.
Next steps: UConn asked that the subcommittee consider those authorizations for the bond commission agenda and for continued oversight of fundraising benchmarks tied to UConn 2,000 projects. The committee did not take a vote at the hearing.
