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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 10, 2017 09:38 AM
From:	Representative Thomas P. Murt
To:	All House members
Subject:	Providing State Owned Universities with the Authority to Manage Capital Projects

In response to the ongoing financial economic challenges, we have all been forced to become more efficient, eliminate waste, and re-examine how we operate in both our personal and professional lives. Much has been written about Pennsylvania’s funding of education, including funding for post-secondary education and support for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). In response to state appropriations levels, Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities have implemented various cost cutting measures. However, the Commonwealth has not provided the 14 universities with all of the tools needed to allow them to better manage the challenges that are unique to each of the universities. I intend to introduce legislation that will provide greater authority to PASSHE universities in order to better manage costs related to capital projects. PASSHE universities currently have the authority to provide construction management services for construction, repair, and maintenance projects, as long as those projects are not funded by Commonwealth bonds, capital appropriations, or borrowing for capital projects by the state Fiscal Code. My legislation will allow PASSHE universities to manage all capital construction, repair, and maintenance projects, regardless of the source of funds utilized in the project. By allowing universities to manage their capital projects, universities are not beholden to the Department of General Services for approval, which can result in delays and increase construction costs. In order to act in the role of a construction manager, PASSHE universities must provide written notice to the Department of General Services of its decision to provide these construction management services. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.

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