UT System regents approve $118 million for campus maintenance, student union fee increase
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP is getting $118 million to fund maintenance projects across campus. The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the funds at their regular meeting today.
UTEP will get the $118 million over three years. The funds will go toward addressing "critical maintenance issues." UTEP officials say the Campus Master Plan that was completed last year outlined a "significant" need for fixes to roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues.
"With the new funding, priorities will focus on life and safety concerns, upgrades to high-value research facilities, restoration of building exteriors and core mechanical systems," UTEP officials explained.
The regents also acted on the UTEP Student Union upgrade project at today's meeting, approving a phased increase in student union fees to finance the construction and operation of a new building to replace Union West.
"The phased fee increase will begin in Spring 2026 at $70 per semester, go up in Fall 2026 to $120 per semester and reach $150 per semester beginning Fall 2027 through Spring 2028," UTEP officials explained.
ABC-7 interviewed UTEP President Heather Wilson about the changes. She said the upgrades to the union were needed.
"The student union was initially built when the campus had 2,400 on it. Today, we have 25,000" said Wilson. "The legislature was wonderful. Our local delegation went above and beyond. The regents was the last step."
The biggest concerns that Wilson heard from students was that the union didn't have enough space to support a campus of this size. They will be adding rooms and space for more clubs and students.
