University of Texas regents have done their part to save The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. Now it's up to the Texas Legislature.
UT regents on March 10 unanimously approved a resolution to restore the medical school and it facilities to their pre-Hurricane Ike status, providing the state contributes about $300 million to the project. The rest of the money would come from UTMB's insurance, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and donations.
"The Board of Regents and UT System remain committed to UTMB's future," said chair H. Scott Caven, Jr. "The board cannot accomplish the ultimate goal of sustaining UTMB's future alone, and it is important to note the shared responsibility that must exist with the board, the legislature, local and federal officials, the philanthropic community, and the necessity for a reliable, long-term source of operating funds from these extramural sources."
He added that regents want UTMB "to succeed and prosper to serve future generations of Texans, and we believe the resolution adopted today represents a responsible step in establishing a successful health care operation for the island and region necessary to support the mission of a comprehensive academic health center."
UTMB sustained $710 million in damage and lost revenue in the hurricane. The regents' plan would keep UTMB in Galveston. Its main clinical site, John Sealy Hospital, would be renovated into a 220-inpatient bed facility and hardened to better survive a hurricane.
The Galveston Daily News reported on March 11 that UTMB students plan to lobby lawmakers in Austin on March 17. They will urge the legislature to support UTMB funding. State Rep. Craig Eiland (D-Galveston) has filed legislation to appropriate $255 million for UTMB to cover hurricane-related costs.
The TMA Foundation is raising money to help UTMB students recover from the hurricane. About $65,000 has been raised thus far. Many of them lost textbooks, clothing, and more. You can make a donation on the foundation's Web site.