STEPHEN BUCKNER, Reveille Radio News Reporter:
With impending budget cuts which could reach $60 million and eliminate seven of LSU’s colleges, the University’s revenues and funds are being closely monitored.
One of the sectors of the University which appears to generate a substantial amount of revenue is LSU’s Office of Parking, Traffic & Transportation.
I spoke with the department’s director, Gary Graham, to hear what he has in store for upcoming semesters.
What do you attribute as the main reason for the overall decline in the number of parking permits issued by the University in recent years?
GARY GRAHAM (LSU Director, Office of Parking, Traffic & Transportation): One of it has to do with students becoming more environmentally aware and they’re using the bus system. We’ re seeing a big increase in biking. So I think they’re… all of those things combined along with the Easy Streets when we shut it down, made it more conducive for students to bike or the ride the bus.
BUCKNER: The Office of Parking, Traffic & Transportation has two notable projects beginning within the upcoming months.
The Old Alex Box Parking Lot will be renovated to accommodate commuters. The department’s most anticipated project is the new parking garage which will be constructed on the east side of LSU’s campus.
GRAHAM: It’s located where the Highland Cafeteria is located along with the African-American Cultural Center, the Women’s Center, those houses in that area. It will be built as part of a new Barnes and Noble 55,000-square-foot bookstore and 750-space garage.
BUCKNER: Each of the projects will draw from the self-sustaining office’s funds and will not impact the University’s overall budget.
GRAHAM: We’re an auxiliary so we do generate our own revenue. So all of anything that we raise, including ticket fines, meter payments, parking fees, all come back to us.
BUCKNER: Stephen Buckner, Reveille Radio News.