Earmarks fund projects at the University

The University receives federal earmarks and competitive grants from the government to help with the upkeep of the campus and provide money for research and different projects the school supports.

But both sources of money can only be used for certain things.

Joe Benson, interim vice president for research, said the University uses competitive grants for research, not facilities.

"The competitive grants are restricted funds used for what was specified when we applied for the grant," Benson said. "These are not used for any other purpose."

Benson said the school must submit a detailed proposal of specific tasks, which outlines how the budget will be used, in order to receive a competitive grant.

On the other hand, federal earmarks can be used for a variety of things, said Benson.

Kellee Reinhart, spokeswoman for the UA System, said the process involves each campus submitting a list of projects that need the help of federal money. The facts are later evaluated and then it is decided how much money will be allotted.

Federal earmarks differ from competitive grants. Schools receive federal earmarks from Congress so they can fund a specific need, such as building the University's new science quad next to Shelby Hall.

Benson said federal earmarks can help address some of the local needs that slip through the cracks. For example, he said the College of Education has a grant for a reading program for pre-school students.

"The money we receive from federal earmarks can go to visible things, like buildings," Benson said. "At the University, we're also using some of the earmark money to help with some outreach clinics through the nursing school and different projects like that."

When the money from federal earmarks and competitive grants gets to the University, Benson described the process as one like a bank.

"It's like a bank with a bunch of different accounts. One for competitive grants and federal earmarks," Benson said.

Timothy Aldridge, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said he thinks that because federal earmarks are not specifically used for research, it is not hurting anything to have the money spent on building new buildings on campus, like the new science quad.

"I think it has to do more with how and where the University allocates the money," Aldridge said. "The money we get from federal earmarks does not necessarily need to go where the most students are because one student can make a difference, but the money should go to where it will get the most use from.

"And a lot of grants today are coming from companies who want to invest in the research that will be done with it."

Stephanie Geldzahler, a junior majoring in public relations, said she disagrees with the idea of building new buildings because many older ones on campus could use an update.

"I think more of the federal earmark money the school gets should go towards repairing some of the older buildings on campus, like ten Hoor [Hall]," Geldzahler said. "But it seems like the University is using the money that they're given wisely."