New Nursing Building Project at Rutgers-Camden Starts

Gov. Chris Christie and Rutgers University officials have broken ground on a new nursing and science building at Rutgers' Camden campus even though the university doesn't yet own the land and a construction firm hasn't been hired for the job.

The event was the latest college groundbreaking Christie has attended lately to promote work being done with $1.3 billion in bonds for higher education facilities, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Nearly half the money came from a bond approved by voters last year.

The tour of campuses comes amid Christie's campaign to be re-elected on Nov. 5.

But Rutgers-Camden Chancellor Wendell Pritchett says the reason for the early ceremonial groundbreaking is that construction is expected to begin in January or February.

"Across the state, you've seen celebrations like this, and Camden wanted one, too," he said. "You see a lot of projects in the same position as ours, and the fact is, January's not a good time to have a groundbreaking."

The 100,000-square foot building would house biology, chemistry, nursing and physics classrooms and labs.

The cost is expected to be $62.5 million, with $46.8 million from the state's bond and Rutgers paying for the rest.

Christie said the facility will help the campus attract top students and faculty.