BGS updates multiple building projects, DCF stabilization facility plans and statewide EV charger rollout

Buildings and General Services director Joe Ajah briefed the Senate Institutions Committee on Jan. 23 about a range of capital projects and program spending across state facilities.

Public art and facilities: Ajah said the Arts Council administers the state public‑art program in coordination with the commissioner of BGS. For fiscal year 2024, Ajah said approximately $75,000 was appropriated for art at state facilities, and the council has broadened eligible locations to include certain mental‑health and disability facilities as well as traditional office buildings. Ajah said the selection committee, convened by the Arts Council, will choose specific pieces and locations.

Fairland building and other repairs: BGS is replacing parapets, repointing brickwork and repairing rotten joists at the Fairland building; work includes roof replacement and heat‑recovery unit upgrades.

Parking garage and roofs: Ajah described concrete repairs to the enclosed parking deck at 32 Cherry Street in Burlington, where salt intrusion has caused spalling and exposed rusted rebar, and a planned membrane roof replacement at the Central Services building to stop chronic leaks above the printing shop.

Skatehouse expansion: Design funding of about $300,000 was noted for expansion and accessibility improvements at the skatehouse, including an accessible entry and an exterior stair for second means of egress.

111 State Street stacks and other renovations: BGS described renovation of former library “stack” areas at 111 State Street to provide usable office and courtroom support space after flood mitigation. Basement areas that were wet were cleared and remain uninhabitable until further renovation.

Department of Children and Families short‑term secure stabilization facility: Ajah presented an architect’s rendering for a proposed Department for Children and Families 16‑bed short‑term secure stabilization facility on a state‑owned parcel identified in the slides as the "Virgin site." He said BGS is pursuing design‑build procurement and working with the city on a zoning change; Ajah estimated the project could be completed in about 18 months after zoning and design actions are finished. Committee members deferred detailed operational questions to DCF staff.

Statewide electric vehicle charging: Ajah said BGS is installing EV chargers at multiple state locations to support a growing state fleet of electric vehicles; initial sites include 136 State Street and the Southern State Correctional Facility. He said the state’s energy group will handle operations and contractor maintenance arrangements.

Other projects and planning funds: Ajah explained the capital expenditure cash fund used for planning, reuse and project contingency work (contingency expenditures up to $100,000 for individual projects). He noted reuse funds have been used to repurpose existing space, citing a fit‑out of underused first‑floor space at 133 State Street for Legislative Security and reuse of a cafeteria area in a prior project.

Ending

Ajah said most items are proceeding in design or early construction; committee members asked for follow‑up on schedules and coordination with local zoning authorities for projects that require municipal approvals.