The construction and renovation of more than a dozen facilities at The University of Texas at El Paso will infuse $164.8 million in business volume into the local economy during the next four years, according to a UTEP news release.

Economists at the UTEP Institute for Policy and Economic Development recently conducted a study to determine the overall impact of the building boom that is changing the university's landscape.

From 2008 to 2011, the university will build new engineering, science and health facilities; a basketball practice facility; and a new bookstore. The expansion of the swimming and fitness center and 10 smaller projects are also being planned.

The construction is also expected to support hundreds of jobs each year, with the number of jobs peaking at 770 in 2010. An overall $64 million of incremental income is expected to be generated in the region over the four-year period, with an average compensation of $37,700 per job a year, including wages and benefits. The income and compensation estimates are part of the overall $164.8 million impact.

The university has long been a major economic force in the Paso del Norte region. With an operating budget of $265 million, the university contributes $343 million to the personal income of local residents and $375 million in local business volume.