Aurora Complex News

Aurora Complex Nears Final Approval In Legislature

The Montana Legislature has been in session for four months. One critically important piece of legislation to MSU-Northern is Amendment 005 to House Bill Five. House Bill Five is an appropriations bill that includes Long-Range Planning items, such as major capital expenditures for state owned buildings. Amendment 005 was put forth by Senator Mike Lang (R-Malta), to provide $25 million to MSU-Northern to fully fund Phase II of the Aurora Complex.

In January of 2023, MSUN Chancellor Greg Kegel hosted a dinner in Helena with the members of the Long-Range Planning Committee to discuss the innovative efforts to grow student enrollments in coming years. One of the most significant drawbacks to recruiting and retention of students at Northern is not having a recreational place to gather. The Student Union Building amenities are 50 years old and the bowling lanes there haven’t worked in years.

The Aurora Complex would provide world-class health and wellness opportunities for students, including a large and modern fitness center. Plans include a 400-seat Black Box theater and an indoor gymnasium that can be transformed into an indoor events center to host up to 1,000 people. The approved Complex would attract events to campus that will enrich the lives of students.

If House Bill Five is approved by the end of April, with the Aurora Complex contained within it, the governor could sign it into law in early May 2023. If the complex is approved, funding would be available on July 1, 2023. It would take an estimated one year for planning and two years or more for construction.