UI facing $200 million maintenance backlog

MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has a backlog of maintenance projects that will cost more than $200 million, a school official said.

Brian Johnson, UI’s assistant vice president for facilities services, estimates that the school is underfunded by $13 million to $15 million a year for maintenance and repairs.

One problem at the school is a leaking slate roof that needs to be replaced on the Life Sciences South Building.

Johnson said the university spends about $5 million annually on routine maintenance and repairs. Another $2 million is added from the state’s Permanent Building Fund for repair and alteration projects. But the list of projects that need work is growing faster than crews can check items off, said Johnson.