HARTFORD, Conn. -- On Tuesday, Gov. Jodi Rell unveiled a $352 million plan for improvements at the UConn Health Center, including a new state-of-the-art patient tower and renovations at the center in Farmington.

Rell announced the plan with UConn President Michael Hogan at the health center campus in Farmington. She said the cost is about $100 million less than original projections.

The governor said the investment would yield much-needed returns, including 5,000 new health care jobs in the state. She said the new hospital will also have more classroom and lab space and help address expected shortages in the medical and dental professions.

"This is a $352 million investment in a new hospital that will have increased classroom and lab space for more medical and dental students and will help offset anticipated shortages in these professions," Rell said. "The return on our investment will include a nationally recognized cancer center and specialized institutes and advanced training open to all health care professionals in the state. The tremendous benefit, of course, is a more robust health care sector that stands to gain 5,000 new jobs in the years to come."

The proposal relies on $227 million in state bonding, $100 million in expected federal funds and $25 million in funds already approved for UConn.

Hogan said the partnership puts the UConn Health Center on track for a promising future.

Hogan said, ""We're grateful for the governor's vision and advocacy. Her proposal will stimulate job growth, promote economic development and improve access to the state-of-the-art health care that our faculty and staff deliver every day. This kind of vision is exactly what's needed as the state of Connecticut looks ahead to continuing its role as a leader in innovation and care for our citizens."