Jensen-Byrd decision OK

I am trying to consider the Washington State University point of view on the Jensen-Byrd building.

It seems likely that the new dormitories would bring in students from outside the Spokane area. Tuition and room/board for out-of-state students is usually higher than the subsidized rates charged to students who are state residents. Bringing in money from out of state would help reduce the burden on our community. There are other intangibles, such as giving Spokane an image of a better college town and creating a need for localized services such as nearby cafes and corner grocery stores.

If the building is to be used in its present condition, it would require a great deal of investment, at the very least, to bring it up to the current electrical and plumbing safety codes. That means that the cost will be borne by future in-state students and the good taxpayers of Spokane.

The WSU solution to this dilemma may not be the perfect one. But without an acceptable alternative on the table, we must look to the future and participate in refining WSU’s plans to improve the benefits reaped by Spokane’s community in terms of economic, social and educational gain.

Neelima June

Spokane