New law could pave way for UW engineering building

Gov. Tony Evers signed into law AB 775 as a way for the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s engineering school to increase its capacity for engineering students, according to a Wisconsin State Journalreport. UW–Madison will receive $1 million to begin advanced planning and design work for the project. Last year the university requested $150 million to begin construction on a $300 million engineering building that would replace an 82-year-old facility. The bill doesn’t guarantee the building’s construction, but lays the groundwork for potential funding in the 2023–25 state budget. According to the School of Engineering, 7,000 students apply each year with the intent to study undergraduate engineering but the college only has space and teaching resources to accept about 1,000 applicants annually.