Higher Education Bond Issue Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Operation and maintenance costs could go up if lawmakers pass the $500-million higher education bond issue plan. <br/><br/>State regents say at least $10-million will be needed to

Sunday, March 6th 2005, 11:44 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Operation and maintenance costs could go up if lawmakers pass the $500-million higher education bond issue plan.

State regents say at least $10-million will be needed to operate and maintain the 140 projects planned at 36 different locations.

The extra $10-million a year would not dramatically increase total state appropriations.

Energy savings in renovated buildings would offset some of the increased upkeep costs.

Legislators are still trying to decide whether to fund construction from lottery proceeds or with other funds.

Ongoing costs include janitorial service, security, utility bills and routine maintenance and repair.

Officials with the state's largest universities say they're confident the Legislature will meet their ongoing needs, increasing allocations as operating costs rise.