HOUSE MEMORIAL 113

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Yvette Herrell

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A FACILITIES ASSESSMENT AND CAPITAL PLANNING PROCESS STUDY OF HIGHER EDUCATION FACILITIES.

 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has seven four-year public post-secondary educational institutions, three of which are research universities; ten two-year branch community colleges; seven two-year independent community colleges; and four tribal post-secondary educational institutions; and

     WHEREAS, many higher education facilities are in need of repair, replacement, modernization or other restoration; and

     WHEREAS, the higher education department is responsible for the review and approval of public college and university capital projects; and

     WHEREAS, the higher education department capital projects director is responsible for the statutory management of all aspects of capital projects for the department, including the capital projects planning process and evaluation of infrastructure and facilities for institutions of higher learning; and

     WHEREAS, a needs assessment of each facility could lead to a capital planning process that would include a complete project list tied to the institutional mission and financial capacity of the institution; and

     WHEREAS, the needs assessment of each facility could prioritize projects to execute through a multi-year capital plan; and

     WHEREAS, a systematic approach and prioritization of structures could result in improved efficiency and effectiveness when scheduling replacement, repairs or maintenance of higher education facilities; and

     WHEREAS, the goal of a study would be to determine current and future maintenance cost savings and to reduce current cost savings from misuse or excess use of materials or funds; and

     WHEREAS, input from representatives of the facilities assessment industry would provide an added resource for the study;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESNTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the higher education department be requested to conduct a facilities assessment and capital planning process study of all public higher education facilities in the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a needs assessment of repair, replacement, modernization or other restoration of buildings on each campus to determine how to appropriately invest in the existing facilities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the facilities assessment study include a complete project list tied to the mission and financial capacity of each higher education institution and an actionable portfolio of prioritized projects to be executed in a multi-year capital plan; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the higher education department consult with representatives of the facilities assessment industry and other appropriate parties; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the higher education department present its findings to the legislative finance committee and other appropriate interim legislative committees by December 1, 2018; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of higher education and the chair of the legislative finance committee.

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