BISMARCK University of North Dakota leaders were hoping Tuesday to convince legislators that the most expensive option for expanding its medical school would be the best value for the state.

The UND representatives spoke to the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide details about Senate Bill 2003, the University Systems proposed budget, and highlight the need for a $124 million new medical facility rather than a $68 million expansion favored by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.

North Dakota is facing a major health care delivery challenge, where the health care needs of the people are exceeding the ability of the health care system to meet those needs, UND President Robert Kelley said. And the problem is only going to get worse ... we at UND are trying to do everything we can to help meet this challenge.

An assessment that looked at the needs of the medical school provided three options, the first and second options would renovate the existing space and add some additional space at $38 million and $68 million, respectively.

Dave Molmen, CEO of Altru Health System in Grand Forks and chairman of the schools Advisory Council, said a new building would have a significant impact on the medical school and state, he said.

The third option, supported unanimously by the 2012 interim Health Service Committee, would provide a brand new medical school at a total $124 million.

The new facility would allow for more students to attend UNDs medical school, consolidate programs to provide more more opportunities in other medical areas and provide $1 million in economic impact for the state annually from each additional physician employed in North Dakota, said Joshua Wynne, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

He added that a new building, paid for by the state, would make the university more viable for federal grants.

The other two options require more maintenance since they would use older existing buildings, he said.

Committee Chairman Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said a subcommittee will be formed to look at the University Systems budget.

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North Dakota Legislature: UND administrators advocate for new $124 million medical school