KU uses stimulus funds to put ‘dent’ in deferred maintenance backlog

Projects completed

A list of deferred maintenance projects Kansas University has been able to do using more than $7 million in federal stimulus dollars.

  • $273,000, Anschutz Science Library Fire Code Improvements — replace failing electronic fire alarm.
  • $200,000, Carruth O’Leary Hall reroofing.
  • $105,000, Military Science building roofing.
  • $1.15 million, Dyche Hall mechanical and electrical system improvements.
  • $200,000, Jayhawk Boulevard storm sewer replacement.
  • $3.1 million, Murphy Hall mechanical improvements.
  • $874,000, Spencer Museum of Art chiller replacement.
  • $1.1 million, utility tunnel waterproofing.

Armed with an extra $7 million in federal stimulus dollars over the last two years, Kansas University has been able to address more of its ongoing deferred maintenance backlog than usual.

Jim Modig, KU’s director of design and construction management, said his staff has been able to address a number of additional critical needs with the money.

Most of the funds have been spent on needs like upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems in some of KU’s older buildings.

When it comes to some systems that will be upgraded, like in Murphy Hall, the systems are so old, replacement parts are no longer available, forcing KU employees to fabricate a suitable part on their own, Modig said.

“In terms of the university’s maintenance department, I think they’ve done a pretty good job of keeping that system working,” he said.

The stimulus dollars come with a number of qualifications, including a focus on improving energy efficiency, a requirement to buy American and to comply with national labor wage rate regulations.

KU still faces more than $200 million in total deferred maintenance costs for its aging buildings, with millions more being added each year, Modig said.

Modig said he’s thankful for the stimulus dollars, which have been leveraged with other state dollars to create a much larger impact than in previous years.

“It has made a huge dent,” Modig said. “But, that’s just it. It’s just a dent.”