Gov. Nathan Deal had not included the design and construction of the 80-year-old building’s renovation among his budget recommendations to the legislature. So, the House added it.

The House also added $650,000 to upgrade equipment at UGA’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Athens and Tifton because, according to House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, those facilities are critical in the state’s efforts to combat the Zika virus.

The House agreed to $5.9 million that Deal had recommended for the design, construction and equipment for UGA’s Business Learning Community Phase II.

The Senate still must approve the budget before Deal gets a chance to veto items he objects to. The next fiscal year begins July 1.