Daily Lobo

University to forge ahead on construction projects in face of budget fears
By: Bryan Gyger

UNM will move forward on costly building projects, despite budget concerns and feared legislative cutbacks.

Administrators said it is financially prudent for the University to build now instead of waiting for the recession to end.

Finance and Facilities Committee members on Thursday discussed the capital projects that will take place on campus next year, including classroom modernizations and renovations of The Pit.

Community members at the meeting asked whether the University's financial situation allows for the projects to go forward. They raised concerns about possible layoffs at UNM.

Jamie Koch, president of the Board of Regents, said these were only rumors. 

"I don't anticipate layoffs. Faculty is the key to the University, and a great faculty makes your University go," he said.

President David Schmidly said going ahead with projects would benefit UNM and the state's economy.

"These projects are good for the economy by creating jobs, and it should help build confidence for our community," he said.

Koch said UNM will press forward with the plans now because the prices of materials such as steel and concrete are low.

The average contracting bids have been lowered due to the high level of competition between contractors, Koch said.

"We usually had three contractors bid on a job; now we have eight," he said. "So, all of the projects we do now will be done reasonably. We are going to be able to spend a lot less than we would have."

Koch said UNM has already set aside funding for the projects but that the approval process for future capital projects will likely slow down.

"We are fortunate (now), but where are we going to get the funds for the new capital projects? It's not going to happen," he said. "It's going to be difficult for UNM to get new funds for new capital projects."

Koch said the regents will present more information on UNM's budget at their meeting Dec. 18. He said anyone who has questions or comments should attend and voice their concerns.