Bozeman panel picks site for new MSU school

BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s planning board is recommending a new $50 million engineering school be built where a parking lot, tennis courts and a lawn now stand.

The board voted Tuesday for the site on Grant Street in Bozeman. The recommendation now goes to MSU President Waded Cruzado.

Facilities planning director says other site options were either too small, too far from other engineering classrooms or would cause delays in construction.

The new College of Engineering building is being constructed with a $50 million donation from a graduate. The building is to be about 125,000 square feet.

The board’s vote was unanimous, though committee member Jim Thull says he is concerned about losing the only paid parking lot on campus.