State OKs funds for N.C. Zoo, Town Creek repairs

RALEIGH Projects at the N.C. Zoo in Randolph County and Town Creek Indian Mound in Montgomery County were among those approved recently by the state.

The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) released the 2013-14 Repair and Renovation Reserve project list Tuesday consisting of 191 recommended construction projects totaling $90 million.

The projects are located statewide; some may soon be ready for bid and all will offer a boost to North Carolinas construction industry. Because the majority of the projects are under $500,000 and do not require bonding, smaller-sized construction firms and historically underutilized businesses can remain competitive in the bid process.

Among the projects to be bid are two at the N.C. Zoo. Officials have allocated $617,000 for HVAC and air handling units replacements in the Sonora Desert pavilion. Also on the list is road repaving repairs for the zoos tram roadway at a cost of $368,000.

Town Creek Indian Mound will receive $226,000 for repainting the visitor center inside and out, replacing some flooring and resurfacing the facilitys parking lot and drive.

The total amount appropriated by the General Assembly to fund the Repair and Renovations Reserve Account was $150 million, $60 million allocated to the UNC Board of Governors and $90 million to OSBM for state agencies. OSBM consulted with the state construction office in the Department of Administration to determine which projects to prioritize. The UNC system will provide a separate list of their planned projects.

Project types include fire alarm and security system maintenance and repair, exterior building repair and waterproofing, and repair and replacement of HVAC and climate control units. This list is not limited to the state government complex in Raleigh, but includes projects statewide.

Now that OSBM has released the list of projects, the next step is for the General Assemblys Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations to meet and review the list. Depending on when that occurs, it is possible that many of these projects will be available for bids and have a contract in place before Christmas.

For a detailed listing, see the complete list at http://www.nc-sco.com/scodata/special/OSBM-RR-Memo-Report.pdf.

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State OKs funds for N.C. Zoo, Town Creek repairs