Appalachian State University has received nearly $200 million in state-allocated funding through North Carolina’s 2021–2023 and 2023–2025 biennial budget bills — a substantial investment of taxpayer dollars supporting the advancement of capital improvement projects at both the Boone and Hickory campuses.
This strong support reflects the state’s confidence in App State as a leading institution that continues to fulfill its founding mission: to ensure access to higher education for the people of North Carolina, and beyond.
State funding is key to upgrading and expanding App State campus facilities to foster a more modern and efficient learning environment for students and faculty. Major university infrastructure projects supported by these allocations include renovations to the App State Hickory campus, as well as renovations to Peacock, Wey and Edwin Duncan halls and the development of App State’s Innovation District. These projects align with the university’s strategic goals.
Read on for key highlights of state funding support for capital projects at App State.
Capital Repairs and Renovation/Initiative Support
2021–2023 allocations
The 2021–2023 budget bill allocated nearly $123 million in funding for for capital improvements at App State. This breaks down into $79 million for capital projects and $43.15 million for one-time repair and renovation project support.
Capital project support funding included:
- $54 million in non-recurring funds in the current fiscal year to begin work on App State’s Innovation District project
- $25 million for renovations to Peacock Hall ($12.5 million per year of the biennium)
One-time repair and renovation project support is included for the following projects:
- $20 million: Edwin Duncan Hall renovation
- $10 million: Wey Hall partial renovation-building systems
- $5 million: Wey Hall envelope and roof repair
- $1.5 million: Campuswide electronic door access installation
- $1.3 million: Walker Hall envelope and structural repair
- $1 million: Smith Wright Hall roof repair and replacement
- $800,000: Edwin Duncan Hall HVAC and lighting improvements
- $600,000: Chapell Wilson Hall gutter/soffit/roof replacement
- $500,000: Walker Hall HVAC repair and upgrades
- $500,000: Anne Belk Hall hot water piping replacement
- $300,000: Facilities Operations/Motor Pool wall repairs
- $300,000: John E. Thomas Hall envelope repairs
- $250,000: John E. Thomas Hall chiller compressor upgrades
- $250,000: University Hall sprinkler system
- $200,000: Holmes Convocation Center chiller
- $200,000: Howard Street Hall road opening
- $200,000: Peacock Hall elevator upgrade
- $150,000: Holmes Convocation Center variable air volume (VAV) replacement
- $100,000: B.B. Dougherty chiller repair
Access the 2021–2023 state budget bill
2023–2025 allocations
The 2023–2025 budget bill allocates more than $74 million in funding for capital improvements at App State.
- $41 million for Hickory campus renovations:
- $4.1 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year;
- $12.3 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year;
- $14.35 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year; and
- $10.25 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
- Additionally, $7.81 million in campus operating and startup funds have been allocated for App State’s Hickory campus, over two years. This funding will support costs associated with building operation and academic instruction.
- $18 million for Walker Hall interior renovations:
- $1.8 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year;
- $6.3 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year; and
- $9.9 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
- $15 million for renovations to Peacock Hall ($7.5 million per year of the biennium).
- Additional, non-recurring funds to support inflationary increases for renovations of Wey and Edwin Duncan halls.
Access the 2023–2025 state budget bill