The UTM Department of Finance and Administration recently released data pertaining to academic building upgrades.

Eighteen state-funded building projects are currently underway or planned by the university, totalling more than $29 million in state funds intended to make capital improvements.

The most costly project, an overhaul of Brehm Hall, was recently completed at a cost of $7.3 million.

Projects in progress include upgrades to the central energy distribution facility, the Elam Center, Humanities elevators, fire alarm upgrades and replacement of the Humanities heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades make up $6.9 million. Gooch Hall HVAC renovations were recently completed at a cost of about $865,000. The Humanities HVAC renovation, which has relocated several academic departments to Clement Hall, has been funded with $90,000 but lacks $1.5 million to complete the project.

Total capital improvement projects have been funded $14.6 million, with about $14.6 remaining to be funded.

A $2.5 million upgrade to the Elam Center HVAC has yet to be funded, as has an HVAC upgrade at the Skyhawk Fieldhouse, which is slated to cost $1.9 million.

A general improvement of the Elam Center is also underway, which is anticipated to cost $1.9 million Renovations to the Elam Center are anticipated at costing $2.6 million. Total improvements to the Elam Center are $70.3 million.

An addition to Brehm Hall is also in the planning stages, with a $1.9 million price tag.

HVAC improvements constitute almost 25 percent of all proposed capital improvement projects. About $6.9 million is dedicated to improvements or replacements of antiquated HVAC units in academic and general purpose buildings.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Al Hooten says the university is fortunate in getting state funding for UTM’s capital improvement plans. Hooten said UTM appeals the state annually for more funding for the projects.

“We’ve been quite fortunate that funding has increased in recent years,” Hooten said.

“Our priority request for funding in the next fiscal year includes a remodel and addition to the Fine Arts Building plus additional HVAC improvements to Business Administration and Humanities Building(s),” he said.