Skyrocketing costs threaten OSBI lab

Saturday, January 14th 2006, 10:37 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Unless the state Legislature hands over another $5 million, completion of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center is doubtful, OSBI officials said.

``It is critical we get the supplemental appropriation,'' Jerry Hire, OSBI special projects officer, said. ``There is no way we can occupy the lab without it being finished.''

Construction of the $20 million project was expected to be completed by May 2007.

Higher construction prices caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and skyrocketing fuel prices have put the future of the 72,000-square-foot center in jeopardy, Hire said.

``I think all of us were surprised when the bids were so high,'' Hire said. ``There were no bidders on some (bid) packages. They didn't want to take a chance.''

Industry analysts estimate construction prices are now approaching a 1 percent increase each month.

The project's architect and construction manager estimate a 12-month delay in obtaining additional funds could increase the need another $2 million.

The new center, which will be located across the street from the University of Central Oklahoma, is a joint project between the OSBI, UCO and the city of Edmond.

Edmond City Manager Larry Stevens and UCO President Roger Webb were unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.

The bureau will use the center as a replacement for the lab in its headquarters and the university will use it for student training and research.

The present lab is 34 years old and too small, hampering criminalists in doing their jobs, officials say. New technology is available, but there is no place for it.

Doug Perkins, OSBI criminalist supervisor, said the electrical system is running at the maximum level and nothing can be added.

Estimates show there is enough money to finish enclosing the building even though bids haven't been awarded for the purchase of the steel, Hire said.

But there isn't money to buy the lab cabinets or fume hoods_ two items needed to operate a laboratory, he said.

Just the cost for the hoods and cabinets is estimated at $1.3 million, he said.

``There is no way we can occupy the building without the fume hoods and cabinetry,'' Hire said.

A parking lot, sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, millwork, tile, work petitions, paint, phone system, furniture and doors are among the items still needed, he said.

Legislators will consider supplemental appropriation requests after they convene next month.