Start date for college in question

LAS VEGAS - The opening of the Nevada State College in Henderson could be delayed for two years because a startup building didn't make the Public Works Board's two-year capital funding list.

The classroom building was beat out by a prison expansion, a state office building and six other university system projects, which were sent to Gov. Kenny Guinn for approval.

Organizers said it will now be difficult to open in fall 2002 as planned.

Orlando Sandoval, vice president for planning and administration for the proposed college, said if the funding falls through for 2001, the institution could face a three-year delay.

The $36 million academic and student services building the college needs to open its campus was eighth on the priority list set by the Board of Regents. The Henderson college has been recommended for funding and student enrollment in the 2002-03 school year by regents.

The college is working to acquire 260 acres for the proposed campus, but there are no buildings to accommodate students.

Options include trying to work with Guinn and lawmakers to obtain support for a smaller building so the school could open on schedule, or using other buildings in the community to open the college initially, Sandoval said.

The Public Works Board recommended the Henderson college classroom building for advance planning support, which would give the project top funding priority in the 2003 legislative session.