Purdue budget cutting turns to construction costs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) -- Purdue University is cutting its construction inspection department and changing building guidelines to give contractors more flexibility as part of a 10-year plan that officials say could save tens of millions of dollars.

The university announced Dec. 3 that most of the construction inspection department would be eliminated by March 2.

The Journal & Courier reports the cuts follow more than $100 million in reductions in 2010 as Purdue dealt with a budget shortfall and returned money to the state during the recession.

Executive Vice President Al Diaz says Purdue wants to find more ways to reduce costs and increase revenue over the next decade.

Faculty and staff oppose additional cuts and note that Purdue is already increasing revenue by adding a $2,000 fee to international students' tuition.

Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com