GVSU's regional economic impact $643.9 million

ALLENDALE, Mich., — Grand Valley State University continues to be a major economic engine driving job creation in West Michigan, according to a report released April 30. Meanwhile, the university's Board of Trustees approved a slate of summer construction projects that will continue to create jobs in the region.

According to the university's annual Economic Impact brochure, the presence of Grand Valley had a total estimated economic impact of more than $643.9 million in the three-county region surrounding the Allendale Campus in the fiscal year 2008-09. More than 10,100 permanent off-campus jobs in the region exist due to the presence of the university's campuses in those communities. The complete brochure is available at www.gvsu.edu/economicimpact

Other examples of Grand Valley's economic impact include:
-- The university spent more than $49 million on new and remodeled facilities in 2009, creating 1,230 trade and construction jobs
-- 5,916 students participated in internships, practica and student teaching, saving employers more than $25 million
-- Grand Valley students participated in 639,900 hours of volunteer service work

At its April 30 meeting, the Grand Valley Board of Trustees reviewed a series of capital projects related to safety and accessibility. Those projects, totaling $5.97 million, include a plan to replace the roof of The Commons food service building, installing a new cable between the Consumers Power substation and the university, upgrades to fire alarm and warning systems in several buildings, and the replacement of an air handling unit at AuSable Hall. Those jobs will create an estimated 220 jobs.