UK Director Of Government Relations Jennifer Fraker began her presentation on the proposal with this...
"We're here today because UK is facing a critical need. Growth from our hospital expansion and capital projects will eliminate roughly 1,900 parking spaces. Meanwhile, as as you've certainly been aware, rising student enrollment is also pushing our campus recreation facilities beyond capacity.
The plan: a $115 million project to add 1,200 parking spaces to the South Campus parking structure and 40,000 square feet to the Johnson Recreation Center.
"This move will move UK from last among its peers and recreation space per student closer to the national benchmarks, making us much more competitive," she said.
But the project also comes with a small price tag for students. Fraker says a student-approved increase, upping the recreation fee from $74 to around $95, would be necessary.