FARGO - North Dakota college administrators say they're happy about Gov. John Hoeven's budget proposal, which the governor believes should provide enough money to limit future increases in student tuition.

"It's a very nice big picture for our state," University of North Dakota President Charles Kupchella said. "It's obviously a great time to be in North Dakota."

Hoeven's spending plan, outlined Wednesday during a joint session of the Legislature, would boost state general fund spending on North Dakota's university system by $82.5 million, or 21 percent, over two years.

The sum includes a $52 million increase for operating budgets, as well as $16 million for deferred maintenance and work on ConnectND, a balky computer software system the state's public colleges use, and $14.5 million for construction projects.

Hoeven approved a $3 million wind turbine project at Lake Region that will be funded with money the college will save by generating its own electricity.

"It's a great project," Lake Region State President Sharon Etemad said. "We should be willing to invest in something that can actually pay for itself over time."

North Dakota State University would receive $9 million from Hoeven's budget to go toward a $30 million research greenhouse. The school is trying to raise $5 million on its own for the facility, said Ken Grafton, NDSU dean of agriculture.

"We're really pleased that the governor has included the second phase of the project in the budget," Grafton said. "This is an extremely important and very large project for our crop agriculture program."

Keith Bjerke, vice president for university relations at NDSU, said he's never seen a more favorable budget for higher education.

"Without question," Bjerke said. "I've been at this game a long time. I've seen the state's economy go backward. This is a very big increase and positive momentum for helping North Dakota."

Chancellor Eddie Dunn called the proposal "a very good starting point."

"This is the closest that the budget proposal has been to the request by the state Board of Higher Education," Dunn said. "I think this budget truly recognizes the importance of higher education in helping expand North Dakota's economy."

Board president John Q. Paulsen said the budget shows a strong commitment to education at all levels.

"Obviously there's going to be some tweaking in the Legislature," Paulsen said. "But on balance I would say this is a strong and reasonable place to start."

Kupchella said it was "heartening" to hear that the governor plans to increase student aid programs by 57 percent and spend $5.8 million on financial assistance grants.

"I was pleased to see several references for the need to keep college education affordable," Kupchella said.

Etemad said Hoeven's plan to keep tuition increases under 5 percent for the next two years is a "rational level."

"As a community college, I think it's critical we do get a handle on tuition costs," she said. "The burden should not fall too heavily on the students."

Bjerke applauded Hoeven's recommendation to spend nearly $4 million on ConnectND, which has drawn complaints from students and administrators.

"I know there's no turning back. We have to make that work," Bjerke said.

The governor's plan also sets aside $1 million for deferred maintenance projects at Mayville State. The campus needs many immediate repairs, acting school president Gary Hagen said.

"We believe that it's nice recognition from the state," Hagen said. "We're delighted with a million dollars. That will go a long way."