By Olivier Uyttebrouck
Journal Staff Writer
The University of New Mexico would break ground in October on a $53 million Cancer Research and Treatment Center under a plan recommended Monday by regents.
Work is expected to wrap up on phase 1 of the building by late 2008. The full board of regents will consider the plan today.
"I truly believe this is one of the most significant projects in the history of the university," Regent Mel Eaves said.
Phase 1 includes a five-story, 140,748-square-foot building near University and Lomas NE, adjoining UNM's Outpatient Surgery and Imaging Center.
UNM has state and university funding for phase 1, including $33 million from a bond issue financed by the 70-cent-a-pack tax on cigarettes.
It has yet to line up an estimated $32 million to build phase 2, which calls for an education center, clinics and offices.
Dr. Cheryl Willman, the center's director and chief executive officer, said UNM had hoped to receive federal funding earmarked for cancer centers but learned recently that Utah and Nevada will receive all the available money.
Phase 1 will feature clinics and patient-support areas on the second and third floors and a chemotherapy infusion suite on the fourth floor. The first floor will house cancer imaging equipment and women's cancer screening.
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