Harker proposes UD energy institute

The News Journal

DOVER -- The University of Delaware plans to establish a new office to help connect faculty members and industry partners that are researching and developing technology related to renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Along with more money for scholarships, library materials, campus security and programs aimed at K-12 students, the new Institute for Alternative Energy was among the initiatives President Patrick Harker proposed in his operating budget requests for fiscal 2009.

Harker asked for $600,000 for the new institute, which he said would leverage the school's strength in the study of technologies ranging from biofuels to fuel cells and solar cells. He said having a central office would facilitate partnerships between departments and between the school and related businesses.

The money would primarily be used to add faculty members, particularly those who could bridge departmental gaps, and to retain current faculty members.

Other new initiatives for which he requested funding include $200,000 to create an Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, which will serve as a point of contact for public and private inquiries into economic development alliances with UD. Harker also requested $250,000 to create an Institute for Economic and Business Research, which would provide statistics, economic planning studies and market research.

In his first presentation to the state Office of Management and Budget, Harker requested about $129 million in operating funds, including more than $4.4 million in increases and new programs.

Proposed increases included $463,200 for scholarships primarily targeted at Delaware residents; $340,000 for library materials; and $850,000 to enhance programs by the Mathematics and Science Education Resource Center and the Delaware Center for Teacher Education. Another $135,000 for improved campus security would go in part to adding more emergency phones and security cameras and installing electronic lock systems in buildings.

UD also wants $180,000 to create a Wilmington Early Learning Center, which school officials want to fill the void left by the closing of the child care facility at the Neighborhood House in Wilmington.

Harker's $12.5 million capital budget request included $9 million for renovations to the older wing of Alison Hall. The building, which dates to the 1950s, needs a new heating and air conditioning system and architectural upgrades.

The school also wants $1.5 million for other building upgrades and renovations; $1 million for new equipment; and $1 million for planning and design work on a new undergraduate science building. The entire science building project is expected to cost $60 million, which Harker said UD expected to pay from state, university and private funds.

Contact Rachel Kipp at 324-2386 or rkipp@delawareonline.com