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University
of Baltimore Capital Budget Testimony Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Education & Economic Development Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. The FY 2005 capital budget includes $800,000 in equipment funds for the University of Baltimore's property located at 1300 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the University respectfully requests that the subcommittee defer the $800,000 in equipment funds designated in the FY 2005 capital budget. Given the building's current renovation status, it is premature for the University to accept equipment funding at this time. The University of Baltimore (UB) has a unique place in Maryland higher education. We are Maryland's only upper-division university. In fact, UB is the nation's only upper-division and graduate university with a law school. We serve students in the junior and senior years of their undergraduate work and provide professional and graduate programs in law, business and applied liberal arts. With the law, business and public affairs schools maintaining national accreditation, the University of Baltimore is the preeminent school of its kind in the United States. The 1300 N. Charles St. property, when purchased in "as is" condition, appeared to require only low-level renovations for adaptable use. However, during the initial preparation for building renovations, contractors discovered that the building structure might need additional work. After careful inspection by building construction engineers, the University received confirmation in January 2004 that the building has severe structural deficiencies and would require substantial work far exceeding the initial estimate needed to renovate the building's interior. The current renovation plans were for infrastructure upgrades and modest renovations. Current funds will not support the building renovations needed to allow the five-story structure to be fully utilized and safe for University students and program use. In light of these conditions, the project will require additional funding to properly complete the renovations. The University will propose a comprehensive plan to modify the original project allocation and provide the necessary rationale to support FY 2006 funding for a safe, quality renovation and first-rate building. The newly renovated building, perfectly situated on our urban campus, will provide meaningful academic and economic impact to the University and to the surrounding Baltimore community. Located in the center of Baltimore, the renovated, fully functional building will benefit the entire Midtown area, including restaurants and other small businesses in the vicinity. The building will house popular academic programs and allow the University to consolidate liberal arts programs that are presently scattered across campus in townhouses and rented facilities. The University appreciates the state's commitment to funding the renovation of the 1300 N. Charles St. property. We will return to the subcommittee next year to request support for the final funds needed to complete this renovation project. Thank you for your time and consideration of the University of Baltimore's capital project goals. Respectfully submitted,
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