The $584 million maintenance problem for state Regents universities has grown to $727 million, according to a new report by the Kansas Board of Regents.

“As we delay coming to grips with the problem, as we delay putting forth the resources necessary to address the problem, it gets bigger and bigger,” Regents President Reggie Robinson said.

Lack of state funding has forced the state’s universities to slide on their upkeep of state-owned buildings. Now there’s a hefty backlog of maintenance needs on campuses throughout the state – an issue the Board of Regents is pressing lawmakers to address.

A 2004 report found the backlog would cost $584 million to address and $74 million was needed annually to adequately maintain campuses. But the new report raises the bottom line, indicating $727 million is now needed and costs for annual maintenance are $84 million.

Regents said higher construction costs and older buildings are two of the main reasons the costs have increased.