EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The University of Texas System Board of Regents allocated $118 million to fund maintenance projects at the UTEP campus on Thursday, Aug. 21.
UTEP says the funds will be distributed over three years to address critical maintenance issues.
“These investments will ensure UTEP will continue to provide a safe, modern, and cost-effective learning environment for students and researchers. We deeply appreciate President Wilson for articulating the critical facility needs and effectively advocating for UTEP.”
Chair of the UT System Board of Regents Kevin Eltife
The University’s campus master plan, which was completed last year, outlined a need for maintenance for many of UTEP’s 105 campus buildings, including roofing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues.
The new funding will be focused on life and safety concerns, upgrades to research facilities, restoration of building exteriors and core mechanical systems, UTEP said.
Regents also acted on the University’s Student Union upgrade project, which will replace Union West with a new facility and renovate Union East.
“I commend The University of Texas at El Paso and the UT System Board of Regents for advancing this important project. House Bill 2853 was designed to give students the ability to chart their own future, and the Board’s approval reflects that commitment. With this action, UTEP is poised to deliver a modern student union that will serve as an essential hub for academic support, student services, and campus life. This investment honors the will of the student body and reinforces UTEP’s longstanding mission of access, opportunity, and student success.”
Rep. Vince Perez
Regents also approved a phased increase in the student union fee, following a majority vote by UTEP students during a campus-wide election in September of last year. The increase will finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of an upgraded student union, the University said.
The approval comes after Texas lawmakers approved the fee adjustment during the 89th legislative session earlier this year.
The phased fee increase will begin in Spring 2026 at $70 per semester, go up in Fall 2026 to $120 per semester, and reach $150 per semester beginning Fall 2027 through Spring 2028.
“The current fee, established in 1987, has remained unchanged at $30 per semester for nearly four decades. UTEP’s Student Union Building first opened in 1949 when the University served just 2,400 students,” the University said.
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