Michigan: More Campus Spending Needed
More spending on campus is needed for FY 2011
With the current Michigan state fiscal year budget in a mess and the prospects for FY 2011 looking just as grim, how can we in the design and construction profession hold out any hope that a higher education capital outlay bill might get approved for FY 2011?
Despite operating budget deficits, it turns out the key is the ability of the state to finance the state building authority bonds used to finance these badly needed projects. According to a source at the Senate Fiscal agency, there is room in the SBA program for a substantial capital outlay program for FY 2011.
The only problem is politics.
While construction projects at public universities and community colleges stimulate local economies and add badly needed jobs to the communities, Lansing politicains seem to be worried more about positioning themselves for the election in November.
We would like to see a capital outlay bill for FY 2011. Goodness knows Michigan’s colleges and universities need new and renovated structures. And we in Michigan’s design and construction industry would love to tackle these new technical projects so badly needed on our campuses today.