 "Photo:")
 "Photo:")
There is a light at the end of Morris tunnel.
The SIU Board of Trustees recently approved an additional $14.8 million dollars to complete the renovation of Morris Library, bringing the project's grand total to $56.5 million.
Although the BOT has approved the new budget, the University has not found a source for the money.
Gatton said the money would be part of the capital request from the state for fiscal year 2009. He said the request was submitted for fiscal year 2008 as well.
"If we don't receive it one year, we request it the following year with escalation," Gatton said.
Library officials originally planned to postpone the renovation of floors six and seven until funds were secured. The $14.7 million increase should fund the completion of floors six and seven. It would also provide for purchase of the remaining needed shelving for the upper floors of the library.
Director of plant and service operations Phil Gatton said the money would fund a separate project that would begin after the current renovations.
Dean of library affairs David Carlson said the shelving is the most time sensitive need at the moment.
Carlson said floors six and seven won't be finished on opening day - scheduled for the end of 2008. He said they would hopefully be under construction at that time, though.
Carlson said he hopes the money will also allow for completion of the auditorium and provide funds for the huge task of moving the books stored at McLafferty Annex - nearly 75 percent of Morris' collection - back to the renovated library.
He said the additional project should be finished within a year of the ongoing renovations.
Gatton said he thinks these additional funds will be enough to finish all renovations on Morris. The budget shortfall arose as a result of high bids due to hurricane Katrina.
"Four weeks after Katrina we opened bids," Carlson said. "All the contractors were anticipating all supplies going to Louisiana for five years."
Construction began in January of 2006 and has remained on schedule, Carlson said.
The renovation is meant to make the library more user-friendly and reduce confusion. It also includes a 50,000 square-foot addition.
At the end of 2008, construction is slated to move to the basement and first floors of the library and the renovated third, fourth and fifth floors will be opened.
Daily Egyptian writer Sarah Lohman can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 254 or slohman@siude.com.
