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UND proposes bonding for 'deferred maintenance' on its core academic buildings

UND

The University of North Dakota is looking at new financing options to address some of the “deferred maintenance” on its buildings.

It is suggesting a capital project of either $85 million or $135 million for this. UND officials told the Board of Higher Education’s Budget and Finance Committee – the project would be financed through North Dakota Building Authority bonds, and paid back through tuition increases.

UND Vice-President for Finance and Operations Jed Shivers told the Committee the money would be focused on the University’s academic core.

"Studies show that students really identify with the buildings they spend most of their time in," Shivers said. "We think this would create more on-campus student satisfaction, and help improve enrollment."

University System director of facilities planning Rick Tonder said there’s some urgency to this request.

"The chickens are coming home to roost here," Tonder said. "We have to do something, or we'll be in a very dire situation over the next 20 years or so."

University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott said the idea came in late, and he hasn’t had much of a chance to study it.

"I'm somewhat agnostic, especially on the tuition in the out-years," Hagerott told the Committee. "It's innovative, it's different -- but I have questions."

The Committee decided to ask the Chancellor for a formal recommendation. The Committee is planning a special meeting in December to discuss this idea.

The idea would have to go to the state Legislature, which meets in January.

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