Madison – This morning, Governor Evers announced that he and legislative leaders from both parties had reached an agreement for the 2025-27 Wisconsin state budget. This budget deal includes funding to complete Phase II of the Prairie Springs Science Center at UW La Crosse. Representative Billings released the following statement in response:
“I am thrilled that after years of advocacy and hard work from a bipartisan group of leaders in business, academia, government, and health care, Prairie Springs Phase II has been included in the bipartisan budget deal. This project will demolish the outdated Cowley Hall, which has inadequate space for the growing UWL student body, antiquated technology, insufficient research labs, and the highest maintenance costs at any UWL facility. The new science center will include modern classrooms, instructional labs, research spaces, and offices that will support the education of the future scientific and medical leaders in our community.”
“Prairie Springs Phase II will meet the needs of a growing student body as they prepare to join Wisconsin’s workforce. The 2024 UWL freshman class was the largest in the school’s history and more than half of all UWL students study the sciences. 87% of UWL College of Science and Health graduates work for employers in Wisconsin and the ripple effects of this new science center will benefit our economy and improve the lives of scientific and medical professionals and patients in our region for years to come.”
“I am particularly thankful for the tireless efforts of UWL Chancellor Dr. James Beeby, whose determination to provide UWL students with the best possible education has been apparent in his work since his tenure as chancellor began last year. I am also grateful for Provost and former Interim Chancellor Dr. Betsy Morgan, who serves as an excellent advocate for UWL. This project was also made possible by the leaders of the local business community and health care organizations who have spoken up about how Prairie Springs Phase II will benefit our economy and invest in the future of our region’s workforce.”
“This process is not over until the Governor has signed the budget, but the news of an agreement this morning is a positive sign about the capacity of our state government to work together in a bipartisan and collaborative fashion to address the needs of Wisconsinites. Funding for Phase II of the Prairie Springs Science Center is long overdue and I am glad that the budget agreement includes this responsible, forward-looking use of state funds that will support a brighter future for UWL students.”
