State & Local Government Pipeline

University of Michigan approves arena design changes

Regents at the University of Michigan have approved some design changes to their previously approved, $20 million, first phase of renovations to the university's Crisler Arena, a multi-purpose venue that seats some 13,000 people. The first phase, expected to start next year, will include mostly infrastructure improvements. Details of the second phase, a $30-$40 million project with a focus on the fan experience, have not been finalized, according to Timothy Slottow (pictured), executive vice president and chief financial officer. A $23.2 million, 57,000-square-foot addition has also been approved. This player development center will include practice and locker room facilities. Seats in the lower bowl will see wider aisles, improved seating and will be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The roof will be replaced and the building will get an electrical and technology upgrade, a new fire suppression system and other safety systems. This renovation concludes a complete facilities overhaul the university has undergone in recent years.

Alabama school system awarded $200,000 for energy projects
The Jackson County, Alabama, school system has been awarded $200,000 for energy savings projects that will cut utility costs. Three schools - Rosalie Elementary, Section High School and Skyline High School - will benefit from lighting upgrades. Light fixtures will be replaced with newer models that produce the same amount of light but use lower watt bulbs. Sensors will also be installed so that lights are automatically turned off when classrooms and other areas are not occupied. Officials expect an annual savings of $34,000.

Ohio school system to build $1.18 million transportation facility

A new transportation facility is in the works for the Springfield, Ohio, City Schools. The district will use funds left over from its recent construction of a new school building to save money, said Chris Mohr (pictured), treasurer. The new $1.18 million facility will allow the district to move from the South High School building and hopefully get a tenant in that spot, he said. Mohr projected a savings of $150,000 to $200,000 per year as a result of the move. The law requires that money left over from the original bond issue must be moved into a bond retirement fund and bonds issued for the amount of construction. Thus the bond retirement fund can be used to pay the bonds and there will be no tapping of the general fund.

High school renovation bids rejected; project to be rebid
A high school renovation project in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, is going to be rebid. Officials rejected all bids for the project for a general contractor. The low bid was $35.2 million and the high bid was $35.67 million. Two alternatives in the project - adding two lanes to the swimming pool and adding an administration complex - will be further studied to determine if they are to be included in the rebid. Officials are hoping for lower bids in the next go-round and also will consider which items to include.

West Virginia universities to get construction, renovation projects

The West Virginia Economic Development Authority has authorized a bond issue that will pay for more than three dozen capital improvement projects around the state, many at state universities. "This helps our colleges and universities stay competitive by providing modern, state-of-the-art facilities," said Commerce Secretary Kelley Goes (pictured). West Virginia University will get $23 million to renovate White Hall and West Virginia State University in Institute will be awarded $15 million in bond proceeds to renovate and expand Fleming Hall. Marshall will receive $17 million for several campus renovations. Other higher education projects funded include $13.5 million for renovations at Fairmont State University, $6 million for renovations at Concord University's fine arts building and library and $3 million for renovations to West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Old Main Building in Montgomery.

California University's next project will be indoor sports complex
The next construction project at California University will likely need $30 million in private funds to get off the ground. The university is looking at a site near its football stadium to build a large indoor sport complex. Officials are hopeful the project will begin within the next five years. The facility would seat 500 and feature an indoor track, artificial turf for soccer events and indoor football practice. It will also feature 10 locker rooms for men's and women's athletic teams.

Washington school district may have enough funds to build two new schools

Officials in the Meridian School District in Washington may be changing their construction and renovation plans. The district originally passed a $17 million bond issue to build a new high school and renovate and expand a primary school. However, state funding estimates may be high enough to allow them to build a new high school and a new elementary school instead of renovating the primary school. The amount the state pays is based on the type of project, enrollment and how much money the district can raise through property taxes. The district is expected to pay the entire $17 million for the high school and then be reimbursed by the state for approximately $12.6 million. The reimbursement money can only be used for capital projects, so the district could build a new elementary with the funds. A 62,000-square-foot elementary school would cost about $13.3 million and the state would pay approximately $9.5 million of that. That would leave some $8 million in the capital projects fund for other construction projects. Superintendent Tim Yeomans (pictured) said this would "give the voters more than they expected, give the community more than they asked for." To be eligible for state funding, the existing elementary would have to either be demolished or used for a function other than instruction.

Eastern New Mexico University to use grant for wireless
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $100,000 grant to Eastern New Mexico University. The grant funds will be used to provide wireless connections to on-campus housing and other buildings.

Vermont college seeks RFQs for 150-bed dormitory, open-air pavilion
A new 150-bed dorm and an open-air pavilion are on the wish list for Castleton State College in Vermont. The college has released a request for proposals from architects and engineers for the $13 million project that will also include a new physical plant building. The college currently has a waiting list for dorm space among its upperclassmen. Officials plan to use solar panels on the roof to power lights and fans and docking stations for electric vehicles. Plans are to hire architects and engineers by early August, work through the fall and winter on design and permitting. If all goes as planned, construction would start next year.

Michigan school studying $11.5 million bond issue for upgrades, renovations

Building repairs and addition of two new classrooms at the Airport, Michigan, Community Schools are part of an expected November $11.5 million bond election. Other projects that would benefit from a successful bond issue, according to Superintendent Henry Schafer (pictured) are a new boiler at Wagar Middle School and plumbing replacements in bathrooms in all school buildings. Lighting would be upgraded, classroom vents would be replaced and draining improvements would be instituted at Sterling Elementary and Wagar schools. "This is strictly for critical items, needs we have to repair," said Schafer. Two modern classrooms would replace two portable classrooms at the high school that officials say are rotting.

For information about these and other funding opportunities,
contact Reagan Weil or Richard Hartmann at 512-531-3900.

New $60.1 million cancer center planned in North Carolina
North Carolina state regulators have approved Rex Healthcare's plans to build a $60.1 million cancer center at its main campus in Raleigh. The five-story addition features 71,542 square feet of new space and renovation of 21,624 square feet of existing space. Officials hope to break ground in the fall of next year and to open the center in early 2014. The N.C. Cancer Hospital at Rex will coordinate patient care with the N.C. Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill, which the UNC Health Care System opened last fall. UNC bought Rex 10 years ago.

Mississippi county jail to include geothermal heating, cooling system
Forrest County, Mississippi, supervisors have tacked on an additional $3 million to the construction of the new county jail when they decided to add a geothermal heating and cooling system. Half of that cost will be paid for by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Board President David Hogan (pictured) said the county "is going to be out $1.5 million to $2 million" with the federal government paying half. Hogan added that the county expects to get the $1.5 million back in the next 8-10 years through energy cost savings.

MBTA planning to spend $115 million for 20 new locomotives
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will spend $115 million for 20 new locomotives for its commuter rail lines that carry 70,000 people. The new locomotives will allow the transit authority to retire some of its aging fleet. A loan taken out by the agency will pay for the locomotives. However, MBTA officials are expecting the government to reimburse 80 percent of the costs. The new locomotives will also have "green" in mind and will burn less fuel and give off fewer pollutants.

Minnesota county board approves courthouse remodeling
The Douglass County, Minnesota, Courthouse is about to get a facelift. The county board recently approved phase one of the remodeling project at a cost of $2 million. This first phase will include a two-story addition to the courts wing that will be used as a secure area for transferring inmates to and from court. It will also feature a sally port, court holding rooms and a conference and jury assembly room. One of the goals of the new addition is security, and with the new secure area for inmate transfer, inmates will no longer be brought in through public areas. Commissioners voted to proceed with phase one using the general fund and adopt a resolution later to reimburse those costs through bonding.

Portland voters to face $72 million fire safety bond

City of Portland, Oregon, voters will go to the polls on Nov. 2 to decide a $72 million fire safety bond measure. The bonds would be used to pay for new fire trucks, a digital radio system and a new fire station. Commissioner Randy Leonard (pictured), a former firefighter and current fire commissioner, said he is confident voters will support the proposal. The bond money would also pay for at least four speedy emergency medical vehicles to respond to non-fire calls. Officials also agreed that a committee would be appointed to oversee spending and any savings from fire contracts would be returned to taxpayers. They also agreed that any new buildings must meet energy-efficient environmental standards. The new fire station in question would be near the Willamette River on the east side of the city and would cost $8 million for the structure and $20 million for new firefighting apparatus. The digital emergency interoperability radio system is expected to cost $39 million.

Placer County gets approval for new 1,500-square-foot courthouse
Placer County, California, will build a new courthouse to replace the aging courthouse, which shares space with the County Sheriff's Office jail and the district attorney's office. Both too small and overcrowded, the current building is also lacking in security, access, energy efficiency and accessibility outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new building will be 15,000 square feet and is expected to be built in 2015. The current courthouse is only 2,000 square feet. The new structure will include a self-help center, meeting areas and space for family law mediation. Security improvements will include a single point of entry for screening and holding areas and hallways that are separate from the public and staff. The funds come from $5 billion in funds set aside by the state legislature for critically needed new and renovated court facilities.

West Virginia capitol complex upgrades, renovations approved
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority recently authorize a bond issue for 37 capital improvement projects in the state. Included in the $160 million in projects are park renovations, including $20.8 million in upgrades at the Canaan Valley Resort, including 100 new guest rooms. A new heating and cooling system for the Capitol Complex will use $10.2 million of the allocation and another $9 million will address problems at 30 public restrooms in the Capitol building.

New Stanislaus County building will replace seven court facilities
A state-of-the-art courthouse will be built in Stanislaus County, California, after the State Public Works Board authorized $278.3 million toward the project. The project includes replacement of seven facilities, including the current downtown Modesto facility and two small single-room courthouse branch courts in Ceres and Turlock. The new facility is expected to be eight stories and include 301,400 square feet. It will house 26 courtrooms and include space for new judgeships, a self-help center, a public lobby and service counters, jury assembly and jury deliberation rooms, rooms for family court mediation and attorney-client interviews and a children's waiting room. A surface parking area will also be available for staff, visitors and jurors.

Lansing planning $182 million electric, steam generation plant

The Lansing, Michigan, Board of Water & Light has a $182 million natural gas-powered electric and steam generation plant on its drawing board. Once built, the plant is expected to burn 139,000 fewer tons of coal per year once the coal-fired Moores Park Steam Plant is closed. General Manager J. Peter Lark (pictured) said the new plant "will allow us to reduce our carbon for electric output by 20 percent," which he said is higher than the 17 percent reduction by 2020 being talked about in Washington, D.C. Once approved by the state and if bond financing is obtained, construction could start as early as April of next year. The utility also plans to construct an eight-story, 46,500-square-foot combined steam and power plant adjacent to the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot. The depot will be restored and serve as an office and meeting space for the facility.

Indiana airport authority grant will help with road project
The Fort Wayne (Indiana)-Allen County Airport Authority has been granted more than $4.47 million for its Northwest Perimeter Road project. The grant will provide federal funding for 95 percent of total construction costs, with the remainder coming from a state grant and airport authority contributions. The project includes reconstruction of part of the existing Northwest Perimeter Road along one side of one runway. It will also provide for improvements to grading and drainage infrastructure to redirect water from draining properties on the northwest corner of the airfield.

Sacramento airport expansion project to benefit from another bond sale
Sacramento International Airport is preparing to sell some $132 million in bonds to support its $1 billion airport expansion. The bond sale, set for mid-August, is the first step toward financing the project. The project includes a four-story central terminal, a 19-gate jet concourse building with a people-mover between them. Terminal B complex is being replace by the new terminal and will be torn down. Officials are hoping for an October opening next year. The county has already had two bond sales for the project, totaling $1 billion. Although a hotel on top of the terminal building and a parking garage have been put on hold, officials expect they will both eventually be built.

Connecticut city to get $2.5 million new community health center
Connecticut's State Bond Commission recently approved $2.5 million in funding for a new Community Health Center of Middletown, Connecticut. The new 44,000-square-foot, three-story building will house a primary care facility and allow for the expansion of integrated health care services for undeserved and uninsured individuals in the area. Three old, smaller buildings will be replaced by the new facility. It will have limited parking and features handicap-accessible entrances.

Mississippi emergency communications to benefit from $100M grant

A statewide system of interoperable emergency communications will be paid for with a $100 million grant to the State of Mississippi. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is the largest single grant made by the federal agency and seeks to allow local jurisdictions to be able to communicate with each other during natural disasters, terrorist events and man-made disasters. "This statewide communications system is instrumental when confronted with the challenges of talking city-to-city, county-to-county or state-to-state during any disaster," said J.W. Ledbetter (pictured), director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.