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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is set to spend $6 million more than originally budgeted for the renovation of its student union.
The Manhattan Mercury (http://bit.ly/1JgLnww ) reports that the Kansas Board of Regents approved a request Wednesday to increase the project's budget from $25 million to $31 million.
University students voted for the renovations in 2013 to update the food services and provide additional space for student lounges and study space. The increase in budget allows for changes to the building's dining services. Students approved a $20 per semester increase to student privilege fees to offset the costs. That increase began in August 2014.
The budget increase also allows $2.1 million for the renovation and replacement of the union's roof and exterior windows.
Student privilege fees and university resources will fund the renovations.
The Regents approved the budget increase two days before the student union's contract with Sodexo, which provides dining services, is scheduled to be terminated. The student union will use privilege fees to pay about $200,000 to end the contract about 2 ½ years early.
The student union has negotiated with food vendors to operate in the building.
The university's Housing and Dining Services will invest $1.2 million of fund reserves to open a restaurant. The investment will be reimbursed from restaurant profits.
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Information from: The Manhattan (Kan.) Mercury, http://www.themercury.com
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