Michelle Herrick

PIERRE (CNS) – South Dakota State University received the legislative go-ahead to begin construction on a new wellness center Feb. 12.

The state has agreed to throw in $5 million towards the cost of construction on top of the $4 million that the university has already raised from student fees, private donors and the city of Brookings.

“If you want a good healthy student body, I urge you to vote yes,” said Sen. Robert Duxbury, D-Wessington, who is also an SDSU alum.

Duxbury cited the needs of a growing student population.

The wellness center will be built adjacent to the current athletic facility and will give students uninterrupted access to the swimming pool and other wellness activities.

The new facility will include counseling office space, a walking track, wellness testing, weight and exercise equipment and aerobic and exercise rooms.

Operating costs for the facility will come from student fees already included in the health and counseling budget and wellness center revenues.

House Bill 1018 passed by a 28-6 vote. It now goes to the governor for consideration.