Bids save UCM $1 million on building project; Board approves purchase of 2 aircraft
May 31, 2009, 7:18 AM
WARRENSBURG, Mo.– With construction bids coming in about $1 million under budget, the University of Central Missouri will consider enhancing the Morrow-Garrison buildings and construction of the adjacent Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Discussion took place as the Board of Governors met in a special session May 28, and approved the award of construction contracts.
The base bid identified 32 individual project packages associated with these facilities. With the exception of extra costs associated with furniture and fixtures, the university had budgeted $28 million to cover the combined renovation and construction, but the total of all bids received is $26,950,484.
The $1 million approximate difference between these bids and the budgted amount will be used for facility enhancements. The university will now explore options that could include such possibilities as expanding floor space in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and installation of new windows in a portion of Morrow-Garrison facilities, among others.
Betty Roberts, vice president for administration and finance, said changes in the national economy have contributed to construction bids that were lower than expected, therefore making this facility enhancement possible. The university will work with its construction management firm, J.E. Dunn to determine the extent of changes that can be made and stay within the initial budget.
On another positive note, the construction bids that were provided also covered eight alternate projects that will now be incorporated into the facilities. Roberts said there are six project packages that will be rebid because they were evaluated as not accurately reflecting the contract design documents. The university will stay within its overall budget as it rebids items that cover site utilities, ornamental handrail, roofing and sheet metal, join sealants and waterproofing, lockers and a climbing wall.
The joint renovation and construction project involving the Morrow-Garrison buildings and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center is expected to cost $36 million, and is scheduled to be completed in late fall 2010.
To enable the Department of Aviation to continue to upgrade its fleet of training aircraft, the board authorized the sale of four Cessna 172 training aircraft and purchase of two new Cessna 172SP aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art glass cockpits.
The university will work with Peter R. Sudekam, St. Louis Aircraft Sales, to purchase the new aircraft at a cost of $477,750. The cost will be offset by the sale of the four older aircraft for $277,800, and the balance will come from departmental funds.
In 2000, the department upgraded its primary fleet through the purchase of 16 Cessna 172 training aircraft. The new aircraft allow the university to stay competitive with other aviation programs involved in pilot training.
