WINONA, Minn. – The 2024 budget proposal going to the Legislature from Governor Tim includes $71.8 million for a state-of-the-art classroom building at Winona State University. This would be in addition to $4.8 million already spent on design. The building — somewhat awkwardly and temporarily called CECIL, short for Center for Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Engagement and Learning — is fourth on the Walz list for the Minnesota State colleges system. Priorities on the Minnesota State list:

> Systemwide: Asset preservation and replacement: $200 million.

> St. Paul College: Renovations, $31.8.

> MSU-Mankato: Complete replacement of the 56-year-old  Armstrong classroom building, $86.3 million.

> Winona State: Raze the Gildemeister and Watkins classroom buildings, now 60-some years old, and build CECIL, $78.1 million.

Further down the list, at 12th, is $14.6 million for Southeast State College, which has Red Wing and Winona campuses, for modernization.

Earlier: Walz seeks $1 billion for bricks and mortar

Earlier: Walz budget: $4.8 million for WSU classroom design

WSU savings

Minnesota State system trustees made the case to Walz for CECI funds by notig that $10.3 million could be saved in pending maintenance for the aging Gildemeister and Watkins classroom buildings. Both would be torn down.

Lesser projects

Included in the Walz higher-ed construction budget is infrastructure, roof, heating, cooling and exterior projects at Winona State and also roof and electrical projects at State College Southeast.