Louisiana’s public colleges and universities are seeking $1.25 billion for 73 construction projects as the state’s higher education system faces a $4 billion backlog of deferred maintenance, The Center Square reports.
The Louisiana Board of Regents’ proposed capital outlay budget includes $702.1 million in requests for the 2027-28 fiscal year, with additional funding needs of $386.9 million in 2028-29 and $75.4 million in 2029-30.
A two-year assessment by facilities management consultant Gordian shows buildings in the LSU and University of Louisiana systems average 64 years old, compared with 61 years in the Southern University System and 53 years for Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges. Buildings older than 50 years are considered highest-risk because major components have exceeded their expected life cycles. The UL System has the largest share of buildings in that category, at 35%.
In response, the Board of Regents is considering requiring institutions to demonstrate that existing infrastructure can support proposed facilities before recommending new construction. One priority is a $60 million overhaul of Southern University Baton Rouge’s electrical distribution system, which is more than 70 years old and has experienced repeated equipment failures, disrupting classes and requiring emergency generators.
The Board of Regents is requesting $56.5 million for the project in the upcoming fiscal year. Of 117 projects submitted for consideration, staff recommended 71 for the state’s construction budget, along with two additional infrastructure projects.
