NIU received $8.32 million from the $286.5 billion Federal Transportation Bill to build a road network on the west side of campus.

The bill, signed into law this month by President Bush, will extend over six years to improve highway safety, roads and railways and create jobs nationally.

In 1997, the NIU Board of Trustees purchased about 230 acres west of campus for the university to expand over the next 50 years, said Kathryn Buettner, associate vice president and executive director for External Affairs and Economic Development.

A few years ago, NIU received money to finish the entrance way to the Convocation Center, which will serve as one entrance to the larger west campus area, said Melanie Magara, assistant vice president for Public Affairs.

Though plans of a road network are being discussed, specific plans have not been made, Magara said.

“It doesn’t do a lot of good to begin master planning for a [230-acre area] until you know whether or not you have the money to do the infrastructure and the roads,” she said. “Knowing how much money we have to do that … will influence how much planning we have to do in that area.”

NIU will work with the Illinois Department of Transportation and other agencies to finalize matters and fill out an application to get the funds, said Eddie Williams, executive vice president of Finance and Facilities at NIU.

The funds will not be available to NIU in one lump sum, but will be appropriated over the next four years, Buettner said.

“NIU has worked closely with Speaker [Dennis] Hastert and his staff for over three years to make the case for the infrastructure and roadway development necessary before any building or major construction projects can be initiated,” she said.

The funds represent the chance to begin the planning process that will lead to development of the site over the next five to 20 years, Buettner said.

There have been discussions among the BOT on a variety of emerging needs of the campus such as research, housing and classroom/academic space, Magara said. The development depends on what the most pressing needs are and the availability of funding.

One of the most pressing needs of the university is an upgrade of the married-student housing facilities, Buettner said. Though no plans have been made, it is likely that “such a facility will be the first use of the land,” she said.