State Controlling Board releases funds for YSU building projects

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board released close to $2 million Monday for building projects at Youngstown State University.

The largest of the requests was for about $1.7 million, to be used for upgrading fire and emergency warning systems across campus.

According to documents, major buildings at YSU were built in the 1970s or earlier and have not been upgraded since that time. “Upgrading our entire system will bring consistency to the equipment, allow YSU to maintain the system’s U.L. rating and, in light of the tragic events on several campuses nationwide, will also allow the versatility of providing real-time live voice direction between emergency personnel first responders and the campus community from a remote location during an emergency.”

The board also released $148,000 to conduct a study of the campus’ power distribution system and $43,052.50 for architecture and design services related to changes at Maag Library, where work is under way to “incorporate the Reading Center, Writing Center and English Language programs,” according to documents.