Safe, convenient and accessible state office buildings and facilities are necessary for the efficient and effective functioning of government and for providing programs and services. They are also important venues for active civic engagement. These buildings and facilities have important safety and accessibility needs for both workers and visitors. As a result of years of neglect, many state office buildings require structural improvements, as well as repairs to roofs and building envelopes to prevent leaks that lead to further structural damage. Several state office buildings require elevator replacements and other improvements necessary to comply with building codes and American Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements. Fire alarms, sprinkler systems, power plants and HVAC systems must also be updated.
The FY10-14 capital investment plan builds on the progress made over the last two years to improve state office buildings and facilities. The following chart reflects expected capital spending over the next five years, as compared to projected FY09 spending.
Highlights of the FY10 capital investment plan include:
The continuation of a competitive process managed by DCAM to distribute $30 million to state agencies for small deferred maintenance projects at various state-owned facilities.
$7.8 million is allocated for design, pre-construction services and initial construction activity for a 2nd Data Center in Springfield. This mission critical facility will be an active back-up to the current data center in Chelsea and will run concurrently with that facility. It will have higher levels of security and reliability and will support emergency response as well as enable data center consolidation as outlined in Executive Order 510.
$3.9 million in spending on elevator modernization in the McCormack State Office Building.
$9 million for improvements to the roof and fire alarm system of the State House.
$4 million investment in energy conservation retrofits and renewable energy projects at state buildings and facilities, consistent with the Governor’s “Leading By Example” initiative.
The Commonwealth has been awarded $55 million of ARRA funds under the State Energy Program that it has allocated to energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at various state office buildings and facilities. The Commonwealth expects to spend $12.5 million of this amount in FY10.