University System asks $20M from state, earmarks $15M for UNH Diamond Library

University System Chancellor Kathy Preventure told the Fiscal Committee the system has submitted a six‑year capital plan and is seeking $20 million in state support for fiscal years 2028–29, with $15 million proposed for the University of New Hampshire’s Diamond Library renovation.

Peventure said the Diamond Library project would modernize roughly 215,000 square feet into a centralized student‑support hub, reducing stacks and repurposing underutilized space. Ken Weston, the system’s facilities lead, described a $50 million total project budget with about $41 million earmarked for construction and a planned phased implementation over four years. "The project budget is $50 million," Weston said, adding the construction cost estimate comes to roughly $190 per square foot, which he said is on the low end for comparable library renovations nationally.

System leaders said they prefer a block grant appropriation so state funds can be allocated across campuses as enrollment and facilities needs shift. Preventure noted the system’s footprint is being downsized amid declining enrollment and that the state dollars will be used to leverage the system’s own capital investments.

The committee heard that $2.5 million each is proposed for Plymouth State and Keene State to address deferred maintenance, and that the Diamond Library investment is intended to support recruitment and retention by centralizing advising, tutoring, and student services.

Next steps: university officials will provide project lists and the legislature will consider the systemwide block grant approach during budget deliberations.