LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming will see money for new construction and a pay bonus for employees from the supplemental budget approved by the Legislature this winter.

However, UW will be required to reduce operations funding by 6 percent.

UW President Tom Buchanan says in a statement that the employee bonuses is significantly less than what was requested for continuing salary increases.

But Buchanan says he hopes it's a first step toward recognizing that good university employees are necessary and deserving of merit pay increases after four years of no raises.

He noted the 6-percent reduction is less of a decrease than many state agencies experienced.

The Associated Press reports that under the budget bill, UW is slated to receive $70 million for construction projects.

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