Regents Approve $500M Project Health Expansion, Gold Extension

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved expanding Project Health, the planned teaching hospital for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, from 1.25 million to 1.5 million square feet to accommodate more patients, beds, specialized care, education and research, and the replacement of aging facilities. The larger scope and rising construction costs are expected to add about $500 million to the project’s cost. The board also voted 6-2 to extend NU President Jeff Gold’s contract through 2032, ending his eligibility for a separate performance bonus of up to 15% of his salary; instead, he may receive the same merit increase available to employees systemwide. The two dissenting regents objected to approving the extension before new board members take office, while supporters cited Gold’s performance.