The University of Arizona needs $350 million it doesn't have for building repairs and deferred maintenance projects, but the governor has a new proposal that may help.
While buildings may look pristine on the outside, it's the air conditioning, plumbing and general infrastructure of dozens of buildings that's crumbling. "Deferred maintenance isn't really fire, life safety, it is what I would call, creature comforts," said Gregg Goldman, CFO of the University of Arizona. "The building might be a little to hot, a little too cold, but it's important to note that none of our buildings are unsafe."
While the buildings may not be unsafe, a buildup of internal could result in possible health problems and safety concerns for students and faculty in the future.
So, Governor Doug Ducey is proposing a sales tax recapture program to help Arizona's state universities.
Governor Ducey, "would authorize us to recapture that {sales tax} back and then match dollar for dollar in borrowing in order to do two things: deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs as well as research infrastructure, which is building new buildings for faculty, for research and all of the things that are going to get that part of our business moving forward" said Goldman.
KGUN9 took a look at some of the oldest buildings on campus, and facilities managers said many structures have cracked floors, are leaking, and some are not properly heating, cooling or getting proper ventilation.
