FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama is about to have an engineering building for its students.

Currently, engineering students attend classes in the Burford Science and Technology Building, but that will change in a few years.

Special funding, in the form of a $13 million appropriation for the building, was included in the recently passed federal spending bill, signed by President Biden, according to a news release from UNA.

“Florence, and the UNA campus, just recently became a part of the Fourth Congressional  District,” said U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville). “In fact, UNA is the only four-year institution in my district. I want to do everything I can to advance educational opportunities, and thus career opportunities, for my constituents and for everyone in North Alabama.

“This facility is a use of tax dollars that will pay dividends for decades to come and advance economic activity. I can’t wait to see this building come to life and to see it in use by students and the outstanding faculty  at UNA.” 

The new appropriation will be added to an initial grant of $3 million for the project, which originated with Aderholt last year, bringing the total amount of money for the project to $16 million, according to UNA. 

“The University of North Alabama has a history of meeting the workforce development needs of our state and our region,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Congressman Aderholt’s work at the federal level to secure this funding helps us take our mission of providing UNA’s educational opportunities to an even broader audience.”