APSU seeking part of tobacco settlement money

January 8, 2001

Austin Peay officials have proposed that a portion of the $4.8 billion the state received from tobacco companies be used to finance a greenhouse, a livestock pavilion and a scholarship endowment.

The University wants to create programs and resources for students of Robertson, Montgomery, Cheatham, Dickson, Stewart and Houston counties, which produce nearly a quarter of the state's tobacco products.

APSU agriculture professor Dr. Gaines Hunt said a livestock pavilion at the university's 400 acre farm in Sango has been needed and talked about for years. “Settlement money may make it a reality.”

The proposed greenhouse would also allow the University to expand its plant-related course offerings.