A $10.7 million plan for an ISU athletics facility was approved Thursday by the Board of Regents

The Cyclone Sports Complex will replace current intramural fields, located West of Wallace and Wilson Halls, and will feature a new track, soccer field and softball diamond.

Warren Madden, vice president of business and finance, said that the current track is “beyond its useful life.”

Jamie Pollard, athletics director, said the soccer field was completely underwater as a result of the flood, and was unusable during a period of time.

Madden said there is a possibility FEMA will pay for moving the bleachers and press box to the new location.

Pollard said the primary reason for a new track is because of the condition of the old track, which was unable to adequately host a Big 12 conference meet.

Pollard said there are fund-raising efforts happening for the project.

The lead gift, $1 million, came from former ISU track and field coach Bill Bergan and his wife Karen.

The athletic department was also cleared to look into buying a new scoreboard for Jack Trice Stadium.

The scoreboard could cost up to $4 million, and will be moved from the south side of the stadium to the north.

Pollard said the unit in the stadium, which was purchased in 2002, has obsolete technology. He added that people’s expectations of a sound systems change when the technology advances.

Outside of the meeting, Pollard said the scoreboard will be on a lease, and paid for through sponsorship contracts with advertisers.

Pat Geadelmann, University of Northern Iowa’s director of federal relations, said Pell Grants may be in danger for fiscal year 2011.

Geadelmann said the maximum amount of the Pell Grant may be reduced by 15 percent.

Geadelmann said the federal government is currently experiencing a $5.7 million shortfall for the grant, in order to meet the standards set by the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

Madden gave an update on restoration from the flood and said the university is still negotiating with FEMA and making progress with cleaning up buildings.

Madden said he didn’t believe that Iowa State would need the funds, but it’s a procedural step the university had to take.