Study shows favorable impact of expansion at Texas State

Proposed expansion initiatives in science and engineering and health professions at Texas State University could eventually create almost 1,500 jobs annually in Texas and a yearly statewide economic impact of more than $132 million, according to a report developed for Texas State by the Perryman Group.
Those figures represent the ongoing economic effects of a typical graduating class from programs housed in the proposed Science and Engineering Building in San Marcos and a Health Professions Building on its Round Rock campus. Texas State hopes to construct those buildings to accommodate a growing demand for those academic programs.
The San Marcos-Austin-Round Rock area alone will experience the lion’s share of that economic boon. The report estimates an annual economic impact of more than $106 million annually and the creation of 1,230 permanent jobs locally and regionally as a result of typical graduating classes from programs associated with the new buildings.
The report also indicates the expansion initiatives will result in an additional economic impact of more than $85 million annually and the creation of 1,100 permanent jobs as a result of operations and student spending associated with the new buildings.
“We need to prepare our students for recognized needs in the workforce, and these programs represent high-demand occupations,” Texas State President Denise Trauth said. “In addition to meeting higher education needs, these proposals fulfill a significant economic development need.”
The construction phases of the new buildings would also provide an economic boost to state and regional economies. The construction of the Science and Engineering Building would generate a statewide gross product of $87.6 million and generate approximately 1,000 jobs, while construction of the Health Professions Building would result in an economic impact of $47 million and create 540 jobs.
Growing enrollment in science and engineering programs has led to overcrowding of laboratory and instructional space. The new building would be located near others housing engineering and sciences and would allow for greater efficiencies in new buildings as well as expansion.
A recent space efficiency study found that Health Professions programs at Texas State were also in need of additional space to accommodate growth. The new building would allow for the relocation of several programs from San Marcos, including Communication Disorders, Physical Therapy and Respiratory Therapy.
Texas State is one of eight universities in Texas classified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as Emerging Research Universities. With an enrollment of 34,229, it is the largest institution in the Texas State University System.
The Perryman Group is an economic research and analysis firm based in Waco. It has more than 30 years of experience in assessing the economic impact of corporate expansions, regulatory changes, real estate developments, public policy initiatives  and other factors affecting business activity.

View the entire report here: http://www.fss.txstate.edu/planning/fac_pln/construction/contentParagrap... [1]