The state Board of Public Works yesterday approved a $1.9 million state grant for renovation work on six academic buildings at Western Maryland College in Westminster.
The grant is part of a $6.7 million construction and renovation project at the liberal arts college. The school is paying $4.8 million of the project cost.
"It's an example of the state's commitment to supporting private liberal arts education," said Ethan Seidel, vice president for administration and finance at Western Maryland.
The General Assembly approved the $1.9 million matching grant in 1993 in a bill sponsored by Del. Richard N. Dixon, a Westminster Democrat.
The Board of Public Works release of the money yesterday was contingent on the college spending $1.9 million of its money on the project, Mr. Seidel said.
Chaired by Gov. Parris N. Glendening, the Board of Public Works also includes Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein and Treasurer Lucille Maurer.
The Western Maryland project focuses on the renovation of the college's humanities, social sciences and arts facilities. The buildings include Peterson Fine Arts Hall, the Studio, Alumni Hall, Levine Hall and Memorial Hall.
Renovation work will include new electric, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems, as well as new lighting, ceilings, floors, doors and energy-efficient windows.
In addition to the $1.9 million state grant, the Board of Public Works also approved a $5.9 million construction contract to Roy Kirby and Sons of Baltimore and Centerbrook Architects of Essex, Conn.
The architect and contractor were selected by WMC in a competitive bidding process.
Mr. Seidel said about 60 percent of the renovation project is finished. Completion is expected this summer.
Western Maryland also is planning a major construction and renovation project for its science facilities. Mr. Seidel said the work may begin by the summer of 1996.
Mr. Dixon has submitted a bill that would create a $3.5 matching fund grant for renovations to the college's Lewis Hall of Science.