Ten school construction projects in the Anne Arundel school system could receive $18 million in state funds, but school officials are hoping for several more million dollars.
The projects to receive the proposed funding were included in Gov. Martin O?Malley?s proposed fiscal year 2009 capital budget released this week.
“Our total request from the state was $33.9 million, and we?re not likely to get that because of fiscal constraints and other complications,” said Alex Szachnowicz, the school system?s chief facility officer.
The $18 million for school projects is included in O?Malley?s $74.4 million budget for all county capital projects.
Realistically, Szachnowicz said he would like to see the $18 million from the state increase to about $24 million or $25 million. Money not funded from the state has to be provided by the county.
Although Severna Park Middle School?s total renovation and addition project is in the state budget proposal, Szachnowicz said the school system believes it?s still eligible to receive up to $13.5 million from the state.
The school system can appeal for more state money before the Board of Public Works later this month.
Construction projects that didn?t receive any state funding were Southgate, Overlook and Pershing Hill elementary schools, he said.
In general, schools most likely to be funded are those that are old and overcrowded, he said.
Statewide, O?Malley proposed a $333 million budget for school construction projects.
“Anne Arundel County will simply do its best to carve out as much of the $333 million as we can for local projects,” Szachowicz said.
Anne Arundel Community College also is receiving state funding for a $13.8 million project at its 34-year-old Careers Building, said college spokeswoman Linda Schulte.
The oldest and largest classroom building on campus will be renovated and have state-of-the-art computers and a new environmental center, she said.
“We?re entering the final phase in the project and this state funding will allow us to complete the building and have it open either next January or February,” Schulte said.
By the numbers
Gov. Martin O?Malley?s fiscal 2009 proposed capital budget includes these Anne Arundel school construction projects:
» Severna Park Middle School: $8.73 million
» Gambrills elementary school: $2.56 million
» Anne Arundel Community College: $1.48 million
» Meade High School: $1.39 million
» Odenton Elementary School: $1.17 million
» Shipley?s Choice Elementary School: $1.17 million
» Arundel Middle School: $1 million
» Glen Burnie Park Middle School: $960,000
» Oakwood Middle School: $960,000
» Tyler Heights Elementary School: $66,000
» Van Bokkelen Elementary School: $66,000
