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MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) -UTPB is adding more to its Midland campus with new buildings, recreational space and by expanding its academic programs.

The master plan will focus on solving the region’s most pressing issues within the workforce.

UTPB is planning to expand the engineering programs and the health science programs.

The university wants to close the gap in the workforce shortages in the Permian basin.

According to UTPB, one hundred ninety thousand workers are needed between 2022-2040.

“Particularly focused on what’s needed in the Permian basin. We know that healthcare has huge shortages, teaching has huge shortages, accounting and engineering so the Midland campus we want to be able to expand those programs that make a big difference in the workforce shortages.” said UTPB President Sandra Woodley.

The school is planning to build a new outdoor amphitheater.

The Wagner Noel Performing Arts center is going to need more seat capacity to host more events.

“We need a larger space and an outdoor space for concerts and other sorts of community events and our music program is bursting on the scenes and we can hardly contain our music program,” said Sandra Woodley.

UTPB owns sixty-eight acres of land, and they are planning to build a second engineering building and more.

“Workforce training, space, and management and leadership training. We are looking for a building for that and a new building out there for health science programs over time as well.” said Sandra Woodley.

The CEED building will connect to the UTPB engineering building to create a college-town atmosphere on campus.

“The CEED building has water and energy research labs, advanced manufacturing labs which are connected to engineering buildings, but those buildings aren’t connected and so really making sure that it becomes a beautiful college town space for our growing population out there.” said Sandra Woodley.

UTPB will start phase one by expanding the academic programs.

The total cost will be seventy million dollars.