ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Dr. Phillips Charities gave the University of Central Florida the largest private gift to help toward the construction of the downtown campus.
During Tuesday’s news conference, the Dr. Phillips Charities officials said the money will help fund construction of the new building that is expected to serve 7,700 UCF and Valencia College students.
University leaders will present campus plans and funding to the Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday.
The university has raised $16 million for the downtown campus project. The Orlando Magic, CFE Federal Credit Union and Florida Hospital each pledged $1.5 million. The university is contributing $20 million and is asking the state for an additional $20 million. UCF still needs $60 million.
UCF’s president made it clear that that state money is critical to transform a piece of land into the new downtown campus. He told Eyewitness News that if the school doesn’t get the money this year, the school won’t be built until 2017.
Last year, the project hit a major roadblock when Florida Gov. Rick Scott vetoed state funding. The school made changes to its proposal and believes this year will be different.
“We have every indication that the governor is knowledgeable and supportive of the project,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
If the state doesn’t cover the funding, UCF President John Hitt said they have options.
“There are a lot of ways we could propose to fund the project, but I don’t foresee us going forward without significant state funding. If we had to wait a year to get that, I think we would,” said Hitt.
The school is hoping to open the campus by 2018.