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$17 billion maintenance backlog at California universities
The combined deferred maintenance backlog for the University of California and California State University systems has grown to more than $17 billion.
CalMatters reports that as of the 2023-34 school year, aging buildings and increasing costs have pushed deferred maintenance costs to an estimated $9.1 billion for the University of California system and $8.3 billion for the Cal State system
“Across California’s public university systems, students, faculty and staff are learning and working in aging academic buildings where air conditioning, roofs, plumbing and electrical systems are either deteriorating or not functional,” CalMatters says.
The University of California operates 63 million square feet of academic space across 10 campuses and the Cal State system has 43 million square feet across 23 campuses. A majority of both systems’ buildings are over 30 years old, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Some funding has been allocated each year for maintenance projects, but the spending has not kept pace with the growth of the maintenance backlog.
Wisconsin district faces millions in maintenance needs
The Wausau (Wisconsin) District’s secondary schools and administration building would require more than $29 million over the next 10 years to address deferred maintenance.
The Wausau Pilot & Review reports that the estimated costs come on top of $27.6 million in recommended construction costs at the district’s elementary schools.
The breakdown of secondary school deferred maintenance costs over 10 years: West High School: $10.5 million; East High School: $9.1 million; Horace Mann Middle School, $3.7 million; John Muir Middle School: $3.5 million; and Longfellow Administration building: $2.4 million
The Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10 (CESA 10) audit follows the defeat of a tax proposal in the April 1 election. District officials have said the additional revenue would have helped address a growing budget deficit, funded deferred maintenance projects and covered general operational costs.
CESA 10 representatives urged the district not to delay addressing critical maintenance, even amid ongoing funding and staffing constraints.
$50 million in upgrades at Montana State University
Montana State University says it will spend up to $50.5 million to address deferred maintenance and improve energy efficiency in campus buildings.
The university says about 2.5 million square feet of building space are scheduled for upgrades. Here's how the funding will be allocated:
- $9 million in energy efficient lighting upgrades for about 20 buildings.
- $20 million in building mechanical system upgrades in three buildings.
- $17 million in heat plant system upgrades.
- $1 million in plumbing fixture upgrades.
- $3.5 million in piping upgrades for geothermal well systems that store and share energy between buildings.
Montana State has entered into an energy performance contract to carry out the improvements. The work will save the university an estimated $1 million a year in utility costs. The projects are scheduled to begin this summer and continue for three to five years.
“We’re able, in one fell swoop, to address many critical deferred maintenance and energy efficiency projects that would otherwise take years,” says Megan James, engineering and utilities director for Montana State’s Facilities Management.