UMass to get state-of-the-art science building

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The University of Massachusetts system is about see a massive infusion of state funding.

Governor Deval Patrick announced Tuesday that UMass will be receiving $607 million from the state. $85 million of that will be used to build a state-of-the-art science facility on the Amherst campus. The new facility will serve the chemistry and physics department. Most of the classes in these departments are currently held the Hasbrouck Building, which was built back in the 1970s.

Matt Gurney, a senior majoring in chemical engineering, told 22News that he is disappointed he won't be able to enjoy the new digs.

“They (the current classrooms) are in pretty rough shape, there's even construction on-going on there right now and a lot of the equipment is really old, the voltammeters in there, the oscilloscopes; using dated equipment limits what you can do,” Gurney said. “I'm planning on coming back to see what I could have had.”

There is no word yet on when the University will break ground, or where the building will be located on campus.