We Don't Need No Stinkin' State Money

From the BCCT.

You just have to shake your head and ask "Why?" when you see this line: "The project does not meet state guidelines necessary for state PlanCon reimbursement."

How is this a wise use of the taxpayer money of Morrisville?

Renovation plans at the 50-year-old Morrisville high school
Posted in News on Thursday, November 6th, 2008 at 6:31 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh

Morrisville’s school board is working with Vitetta, a Philadelphia-based architectural and engineering corporation, to update old heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems at the Middle/Senior High School.The project’s scope includes a range of new components, including ventilators for heating in classrooms, windows with better weatherproofing, expansion tanks for boilers, heating and ventilation units in the gym, locker rooms, auditorium and kitchen, gas-fired hot water heaters and parts for the air- conditioning units in the library and administrative offices.

Vitetta also will test the hot water supply and piping at the high school because it probably has corroded due to age, said the facilities manager, Tim Lastichen.

There have been no sizeable renovations to any of the district’s three schools in decades, Lastichen said.

Morrisville’s two elementary schools are also in need of similar repairs, and the school board is in talks with Vitetta to perform upgrades there.

Part of the original $30 million bond meant for the new school will be used instead for the renovations.

The company’s fees for overseeing the high school upgrades total about $400,000, and the cost of replacement parts and labor is expected to be around $3.7 million.

The project does not meet state guidelines necessary for state PlanCon reimbursement.

Either renovation or construction is eligible for state reimbursement only under two criteria, according to the state Department of Education: adding capacity to the building, as in the case of a growing student population, or bringing the building up to modern American Disabilities Act standards.