September 23-24, 2004

 

ITEM 124-111-R0904����������������� Replace Montana University System Long Range Building Program Priority No. 6 �Replace Buried Steam Lines/Phase 1A� Approved in Regents� Item 124-103-R0704 with �Replace The HVAC System and Abate Asbestos Containing Materials, Science Complex Fourth Floor, The University of Montana-Missoula

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of the Montana University System approves the modification of the 2006-2007 Montana University System Long Range Building Program project priority list (Item #124-103-R0704) through the replacement of Montana University System Priority No. 6, Replace Buried Steam Lines\Phase 1A for $400,000 (LRBP funds) with a new deferred maintenance project entitled Replace the HVAC System and Abate Asbestos Containing Materials on the Fourth Floor of the Science Complex Building on the University of Montana-Missoula campus for $610,000 (LRBP funds).

 

EXPLANATION:����������������������� The Science Complex building on The University of Montana-Missoula campus was constructed in 1971.� The Science Complex building houses laboratories, classrooms and offices in five departments.� This facility was constructed just prior to asbestos materials being banned from construction.� The building has sprayed on asbestos insulation in the return air plenum above the ceilings.� This use of asbestos causes severe restrictions when maintenance work is done in the building.� Additionally, as the glue in the asbestos insulation ages it fails and the material falls on the ceiling tile causing other potential problems.�

 

This summer the State of Montana Architecture and Engineering Division office has been pursuing a contract to replace the HVAC system on the first and second floors of this building.� This project went over budget by approximately $150,000 due to unexpected problems with the asbestos insulation.� These problems have caused The University of Montana-Missoula to re-evaluate its Long Range Building Program priorities.� Consequently, The University of Montana-Missoula wishes to accelerate the time schedule for completion of the HVAC replacements and include total asbestos abatement as part of the project.� The university understands the State�s current financial situation and is requesting a multiple-phased program for abatement and HVAC replacement.� This project presented in the Regents� item totally abates the asbestos on the fourth floor and replaces the HVAC equipment on that floor.� The following biennial requests will contain similar phases until all of the building has been abated.