By Susan Tallant/editor-in-chief

A new budget for the downtown campus, with an increase of $63 million, was approved by the Tarrant County College board of trustees during its May meeting.

Rising labor and construction costs, competition for contractors and delayed construction are among the unforeseen challenges faced during this project, Chancellor Leonardo de la Garza told the trustees.

“ Like life, you move on and handle difficult situations,” he said.

De la Garza said current market conditions brought fewer bids and higher bid prices resulting in wage wars and Katrina brought more stringent treatment of buildings resulting in construction delays and additional costs.

The new cost of $297.5 million is a proposed guaranteed maximum price pending approval by the Corps of Engineers.

To counteract some of the unanticipated costs, the design and construction team proposed new value engineering options including a deferral of two buildings—students services and library—that will be housed in the conference center until a future date.

Delaying construction for the two buildings will save about $43 million. Other funds needed will not be taken from operating budgets or planned projects on other campuses but will come from previous capital outlay budgets, de la Garza said.

“ The solution brings no harm to people, no harm to programs and no harm to our employees,” he said.
Deferring approval will result in the escalation of costs, de la Garza said.