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Repairs Top Ohio Colleges’ Capital Budget Request

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Ohio higher education leaders instructed by Republican Gov. John Kasich to cooperate when requesting state dollars have identified maintenance and repairs as far higher priorities than new construction.

A coalition led by presidents of Ohio public colleges and universities said Thursday it will ask for $166.8 million in combined funding for unglamorous but important maintenance projects across the state, refurbishing and upgrading existing buildings.

The Ohio Higher Education Funding Commission's additional priority for state capital funding is about $71.7 million in money-saving upgrades. Examples include energy efficiency enhancements, mechanical system improvements and shared service arrangements that Kasich praised as innovative.

Further requests will include $117.5 million to modernize classrooms, $15.8 million for enhanced technology, $25.1 million toward expansion, and $7.6 million in strategic investments aimed at improving completion rates.