“Wittenberg University has always been committed to excellence, and this grant will be used to renovate a 30-year-old science building into a state-of-the-art science facility,” said Congressman Dave Hobson during his announcement of a $1 million grant to improve the science building.

“I believe these improvements will help attract more science students to Wittenberg in the future,” he said. President Baird Tipson had asked for Hobson’s assistance in securing a federal commitment to the science renovation project.

“On behalf of the entire Wittenberg community, we are thrilled by the promise of this grant and are grateful to Congressman Hobson for pressing our case with his colleagues in Congress.

These federal dollars, combined with monies we are raising from other sources, will significantly improve the quality of science education for our students and create a safer environment for them and their professors,” Tipson said.

The funding was awarded through an Economic Development Initiative Grant.

This grant program is part of the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hobson, who is a member of the subcommittee, which oversees funding for HUD, sponsored the grant in this year’s HUD spending bill.

This federal grant will be used for Phase I of the renovation project and will be matched by non-federal funds. Phase I will be used to address the most immediate health and safety issues in the current space.

Specifically, Phase I will provide renovated and enlarged quarters for one large chemistry department, including new laboratory and research space, upgraded chemical and wasted storage space, upgraded plumbing and acid waste piping, upgraded HVAC and exhaust systems, and upgraded electrical, fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.

“We anticipate that these modernized facilities will also help our new Center for Professional Development keep our area science teachers more up to date in our community’s schools,” Tipson said.

“This is an exciting project for Wittenberg, and I am glad that I could be of assistance to the university community,” Hobson said.

“I’m also glad to hear that Wittenberg is planning to share its new resources with local science teachers, and I look forward to being invited back to see the new chemistry department and laboratory when it has been completed.”