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PHCC renews bid for state funds
By KENT FISCHER, Times Staff Writer NEW PORT RICHEY -- When lawmakers and education officials began bringing four-year college degrees to Pasco-Hernando Community College four years ago, they knew the programs wouldn't come cheap. About $10-million would be needed for new classrooms, video teleconferencing equipment and an expanded library at PHCC's Ridge Road campus, college officials said at the time. In 1998, the Legislature ponied up $2.4-million to get the fledgling program off the ground. The following year, the college asked for $10-million to expand the library and add classrooms, but the request never made it into the state budget. This year, the request is back, albeit a much smaller version. Lawmakers representing Pasco County have requested that a $3-million expansion to the library be included in this year's state budget. They'll come back next year and ask for the rest, about $7-million, which also would help build new classrooms and laboratories that the college's new four-year degree students need, said PHCC president Robert Judson. Growing enrollments at the college have made the need for the renovations even more pressing, he said. The college's spring enrollment is up 15 precent over last year, the fifth consecutive semester of growth. "We desperately need more library and classroom space," Judson said. Right now, most of the college's 254 four-year degree students must use the library at the University of South Florida. PHCC's request would create room at the New Port Richey campus for the books, computers and other materials those students need to complete their course work. The state, however, is entering into a tight budget year. A month ago, lawmakers met in special session to cut $1-billion from the state budget. -- Kent Fischer covers education in Pasco County. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6241. His e-mail address is
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