FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas public radio station, KUAF 91.3 FM, broke ground Tuesday, Feb. 17, at its new location, 9 S. School St., across the street from Blair Library, Fayetteville’s public library.

“We are grateful to every person who contributes to the success of public radio, KUAF in particular,” said Rick Stockdell, general manager of the station. “We are committed to providing an essential and enjoyable service to our listeners, and every gift supports these efforts. I am excited about the future of our station, and I know we have only scratched the surface of what can be accomplished through public radio.”

In its new 7,500-square-foot facility, KUAF plans to expand programming and regional news coverage, operate three high-definition radio stations — the existing mixed news and music format, one all classical, and one with all news and information programming — and broadcast live shows and host live community concerts. The building will also provide much needed office and studio space.

“The next chapter of KUAF is sure to be a great one,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “This community relies on public radio to deliver important news and cultural programming, and every gift to the station makes this outstanding public service feasible. I am pleased to see that the support of KUAF has remained strong during these tough economic times, and I think that commitment really says something about the loyalty of public radio listeners. I am proud that KUAF is a part of our university.”

KUAF is currently in the midst of a $1.5 million fundraising campaign that has already raised $900,000 for its new building. Co-chairs of the capital campaign volunteer committee are Ann Henry, Frank Sharp and Dan Ferritor. The honorary chair is Jim Blair.

“KUAF began in part by the appropriation of so-called 10/10 money from the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education, which I helped acquire as its then chairman, and by a gift from the Tyson Foundation, which I solicited as a then board member,” said Blair. “Some 25 years later, I am awed at the contribution KUAF has made in the quality of life across northwest Arkansas. To properly house KUAF’s operations in an adequate and functional building will allow it to flourish and continue its unique contributions to a broad multi-county area and to continue to enhance the prestige of the University of Arkansas.”