Committee hears update on $19.2 million plan to upgrade HVAC at state correctional facilities

The House Corrections and Institutions Committee heard March 20 that the state has executed contracts for most HVAC work at correctional facilities but has not finalized guaranteed maximum prices for the permanent phases, leaving roughly $1.2 million held as contingency.

"All contracts have been executed for this work, and the funds are encumbered with the exception of the difference down at the bottom of approximately 1.2 million dollars," Emily Kacicky, deputy commissioner of Buildings and General Services, told the committee. She said all temporary HVAC upgrades are complete and that the department expects to move into permanent construction once GMPs are agreed.

Kacicky described a prioritized sequence of projects. Springfield is closest to a GMP, and the department expects to complete permanent work there by the end of the calendar year. Newport’s design documents are complete and its permanent work is estimated to finish roughly a year later, while the work camp at Saint Johnsbury has temporary work done and permanent work estimated about two years out.

Committee members pressed officials on contingency and timing. Kacicky said the department is using a built-in estimate to cover cost uncertainty and noted current market volatility, including tariffs and supply issues, could drive costs higher.

Members also raised operational questions about whether renovations would be needed if facilities were repurposed for forensic or mental-health units. Kacicky said BGS would participate in conversations about any renovations but did not have cost estimates at the meeting.

The committee discussed trimming $2 million from a door-control line and allowing flexibility to move funds among projects. Kacicky said BGS will follow up with a more detailed analysis of door-control funding and preconstruction work to inform the committee.

Chair said the committee will keep the HVAC funding as proposed for now and revisit allocations at markup next week. The committee asked staff to circulate draft language and the revised spreadsheet ahead of the scheduled Tuesday–Wednesday markup.