With the legislation still questioning funding, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has announced his support for the proposed construction of the health sciences building.

Kinder did so at an April 13 press conference on the campus of Missouri Southern.

“This project we are here to talk about represents much more than just bricks and mortar,” Kinder said. “I want to see Missouri, and I know you want to see Missouri, as the forefront of business discovery across America.”

During the press conference, Kinder said this project is an example of how the government and the private sector are working together to create solutions for the common good.

“The research, the medicine [and] the technologies that may one day come from this enhanced facility here will affect the lives of not only our fellow Missourians but would better the lives perhaps of someone half way across the globe you and I will never meet,” Kinder said.

This proposal to have the health sciences building is part of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative. The health sciences building would combine the nursing, respiratory therapy, radiology, dental hygiene, kinesiology and psychology departments into one building.

“The health sciences building will house state-of-the-art laboratories, learning centers and computer facilities to meet the demands for graduates and graduates of Southern’s allied health programs,” he said.

Kinder said the allied health programs housed in this building are gaining fame across the state.

“This will be a tremendous edition to the Southern campus,” he said.

Kinder said the Initiative is a “visionary plan.” He said as soon as the sale of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority is complete, it will generate enough money to fund the building of the health sciences building.

“Joplin area, in my opinion, I believe you need, and more importantly, you deserve this project,” he said.

University President Julio León said the building was approved in 1998 by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

“We are looking forward to having that opportunity,” he said.

León said all the programs are growing and are in need of the additional space. As far as the departments that are housed in Kuhn Hall, they will move into the new building. León said they have not determined what programs will move into Kuhn Hall once the health sciences building is complete.

“There are other programs on campus that are in need of additional space,” he said.

Kinder said the Senate version of the bill, which is heavy on health care and $50 million on higher education projects, was introduced March 31 and hit the floor on April 18. The House version of the bill, which states $75 million on the repayment of debt, was introduced April 12.

“I saw a version of it before it left the capital, and they intend to move it on a very fast track,” he said.

Kinder said the last day of the legislative session is May 12.

“We are determined to leave on Friday, May 12 [and] this horse will be in the barn,” he said.