Capital Development Committee approves Colorado Mesa University two‑year cash requests, authorizes intercept bond for housing and parking

The Capital Development Committee voted to approve Colorado Mesa University's two‑year cash requests and to authorize the use of the state's intercept bonding program for Centennial Village Student Housing South and a student parking structure.

President John Marshall, appearing online for Colorado Mesa University, described three priorities: an athletics facility upgrade, additional student housing and a multi‑level parking structure. "We have about 900 student athletes," Marshall said, arguing the athletics project would create a 24‑7 facility that benefits many sports. He said the university is seeking additional beds to reduce pressure on Grand Junction's housing market and to keep students living on campus rather than competing with community housing.

Marshall said the housing phase under discussion would add roughly 300 beds; the university presented planning figures for cash spending and for parking but emphasized the estimates were preliminary. The committee also heard that enrollment growth has brought consecutive large freshman classes and that the university is exploring innovative public and philanthropic financing to meet construction costs.

A committee member asked whether new beds would be reserved primarily for first‑ and second‑year students. Marshall said the primary focus is freshmen and sophomores but that a limited number of upperclassmen could be accommodated as capacity grows.

On a motion to approve the projects listed in Colorado Mesa University's two‑year cash projection, the committee recorded a 6–0 vote in favor. The roll call recorded the following votes: Senator Henriksen — Aye; Representative Lindsay — Yes; Senator Pelton — Aye; Representative Winter — Yes; Story — Yes; Chair — Yes.

The committee then considered a separate motion to approve use of the intercept bonding program for bonding up to $66,400,000 for Centennial Village Student Housing South and the student parking structure. The motion passed with members voting in the affirmative; one member was excused for that roll call.

The committee did not set final construction budgets in committee; staff noted the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) will continue capital figure setting and will meet with this committee to discuss the list. After the actions, the chair thanked presenters and moved on to the next agenda item.

The committee adjourned after a brief administrative update from legislative council staff about upcoming JBC scheduling.