Gov. Jon Corzine spoke at a press conference held at Montclair State University yesterday afternoon to discuss the benefits of the new economic stimulus legislation for college campuses.
The legislation, which Corzine signed on Monday, now allows private developers to construct facilities on colleges and universities using a public-private partnership. It will also allow campuses more grants for campus development.
“Using the forward-looking and creative methodologies made possible by the Stimulus Act, Montclair State University will immediately partner with a private developer to provide a minimum of 1,200 beds on campus, with associated dining service and parking opportunities,” President Susan A. Cole said.
The press conference was held in front of Bohn Hall, a dormitory built in 1972 designed to house 588 students. President Cole explained Bohn Hall will house 703 students this fall, at 120 percent capacity. Students from MSU and Kean University stood behind the podium holding up signs that said, “Thanks for more beds” and “Beds for heads.”
“If we make this kind of investment in beds for heads, like the signs say, and research facilities we create reasons to be in New Jersey and that will go long beyond today,” Gov. Corzine said.
Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, State Senator Ray Lesniak, State Assemblyman Albert Coutinho and Kean University President Dawood Farahi were in attendance.