Budgetary concerns about capital projects took precedence Tuesday, at the first day of the UC Board of Regents meeting at UCLA.
While meeting at Covel Commons, the regents approved the University of California 2010-2011 budget for state capital improvements, as well as an amendment to the budget for the Santa Monica Orthopaedic Replacement Hospital managed by UCLA.
The UC budget proposal includes $631 million in state capital outlay funds, which will be used to restore projects that were included in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget plan but not funded in the 2009 state budget act. The proposal will also be used to provide funding for additional projects in the individual campuses’ five-year capital plans, primarily those focused on seismic and life safety and facilities renewal.
Furthermore, the planners of the proposal said the funds would be allocated toward general campus projects and auxiliary and student fee support projects, in addition to the campus medical centers.
Leslie Tang Schilling, chairman of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, expressed concern about the likelihood of receiving the funds from the state government.
In response, the planners of the proposal said that given the state’s current fiscal condition, it is necessary to have an alternate plan to prioritize projects that are necessary.
The board also approved external funding and budgetary costs for the Santa Monica Orthopaedic Replacement Hospital, which will be used for seismic retrofitting of both the facility and a parking structure on the site.
Steve Olsen, vice chancellor of finance, budget and capital programs, said cost increases for the renovation stem from an increase in the range of in-patient services the hospital offers, including more emergency room visits.
The regents will meet again today to vote on the mid-year fee increase as well as the 2010-2011 fee increase and an increase in professional school fees.