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State officials last week announced a $115.1 million bond sale for projects at public universities around Oregon. The new bonds were approved by the 2013 Legislature and will help pay for several capital projects, including some already under construction.

Two of those are major construction and renovation efforts at the University of Oregon: a $50.3 million student recreation center project that started in August and an $84.3 million Erb Memorial Union renovation/expansion that is getting under way. The bond sale, which was completed Nov. 13, included $40.8 million for the latter project, said Karen Levear, director of treasury operations for the Oregon University System.

Oregon State University campuses also will benefit from the bond sale, including $4 million to go toward cultural centers in Corvallis and $4 million to go toward land purchases in Bend.

Southern Oregon University will receive $7 million to go toward a replacement of Cascade Hall, which is part of a larger project including a new dining hall and residential housing.

Portland State University received $1.1 million for its construction projects, and Western Oregon University received $500,000 for its recreational sports facility, according to Levear.

The general obligation bonds will be repaid over 25 years with a true interest cost of 4.25 percent, according to the Oregon State Treasurer‘s office.