Plans for a new Davies Center are slowly becoming a reality.

The State Building Commission approved the $48.8 million plan March 19 to renovate the student union, bringing the project one step closer to completion, said Chris Nielson, chairman of the Davies Center Building Committee.

“I think this is another big step in the right direction,” Nielson said, explaining the proposal has now gone to the joint legislative finance committee.

“We feel like we’re in good shape, and we’re happy with the progress that has been made.”

Both the state Legislature and Gov. Jim Doyle must sign off on the plan before the university can enter the design stage, Nielson said.

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson signed an $8.5 million proposal to rebuild Davies Center in 2000, but after consulting with architects, university officials determined the cost would not cover the necessary changes, Nielson said.

Under the newest plan, the project would receive funding through a gradual increase in student segregated fees to a possible total of $125 a year for student by 2010.

Students now pay about $600 in segregated fees for the academic year.