Merced Sun-Star: Kathleen M. Crookham: UC Merced’s 2020 Project critical to our state’s success

Thanks to Rep. Jim Costa (“Building on UC Merced’s success is good for the Valley,” May 26) for highlighting UC Merced and why we should support the school’s 2020 Project. As a member of the UC Merced Board of Trustees, I have seen the significant economic boost UC Merced has brought to our community, creating thousands of construction jobs, nearly adding 800 permanent jobs on campus, with UC benefits and wages.

The demand to attend UC Merced continues to grow and unfortunately the campus has reached its physical capacity. There is a tremendous need to grow the campus efficiently to quickly meet the needs of so many qualified students. UC Merced’s 2020 Project offers an innovative approach to finance and will deliver new facilities to meet critical needs. The project will deliver great economic and educational benefits to the San Joaquin Valley, to California and to future UC students.

I strongly urge Gov. Jerry Brown and UC Board of Regents to support UC Merced’s 2020 Project to continue California’s success.