It may not be a budget year in Frankfort, but the General Assembly has made an exception for the University of Kentucky’s new proposed medical research center. Tuesday, the Senate signed off on $132.5 million in bonding for the project, leaving UK to match that amount.
Lexington Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr said Kentucky’s dismal health statistics played a big role in convincing lawmakers to find room in the budget.
"There was no debate and the bill came out with no amendments attached to it," she said. "We were very excited to have it because we know our state is so unhealthy compared to most of the states and this will address diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and also our problems with aging and those disorders. "
UK president Eli Capilouto has argued that the school’s has become limited in recent years and the new facility would create an additional $116 million dollar economic impact.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature or a veto. If approved, UK officials say construction could start within a year.
