NORTHFIELD, Vt., April 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norwich University is undergoing several major construction projects totaling approximately $41 million. The campus construction is the leading economic development activity currently taking place in central Vermont.
"This is the largest expansion project to date in our region, and we couldn't be more thrilled," said Sam Anderson, executive director of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation.
A new biomass plant under construction will save the university approximately $1 million a year in heating costs. A new dormitory estimated at $25 million will support the university's consistent growth in enrollment as Norwich positions itself for a third century of service to the nation.
"These projects are creating jobs in the construction sector, which hit its low in spring 2010 and has been slow to rebound," said Norwich Chief Administrative Officer Dave Magida.
Approximately 400 individuals will be employed with an average of 110 workers per day on campus through early August 2013 and then 50 per day until the completion of the dormitory in August 2014. Once construction is completed, it will add about six permanent, fulltime positions to Norwich, he added.
This does not include jobs created by the demand for wood chips and the impact on loggers and processors. The school will need 13,000 tons of chips annually from providers within a 100-mile range.
The majority of contractors will come from Vermont with a few from upstate New York. A third project, renovation of Norwich's Sabine Field, will include artificial turf for expanded, all-season use.
The funding for these projects comes from low-interest loans from a friend of the University and contributions to the "Bearing the Torch" campaign, which raised over $24 million.
"Given that the last five fundraising efforts have exceeded their goals, it is clear to me that there is great demand and respect for the Partridge model of American education," said President Richard Schneider.
By May 2013 these projects will all be under way. Sabine Field, Dodge Hall and work on the power lines will be complete by the time students return in August. The biomass plant will be on line by November 2013, and the new dorm will open in August 2014.
Here is a breakout of the projects:
- New dorm - $25 million; estimated completion: 8/1/14
- Biomass plant - $6.2 million; estimated completion: 11/1/13
- Sabine Field renovation - $5.8 million; estimated completion: 9/1/13
- Dodge Hall renovations – $2.2 million; estimated completion: 8/1/13
- Upgrading and burying overhead electrical, telephone and data lines - $850,000
- Other miscellaneous projects - $400,000
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Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates residential students, leading both military and civilian lifestyles, and working adults across the globe. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in baccalaureate and master's degrees, and graduate certificates. Founded in 1819 by U.S. Army Capt. Alden Partridge, Norwich is the oldest private military college in the country and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
