Permanent Building Fund briefing shows $1.9 billion in active projects, lawmakers press for timelines

Frances Lippitt told the committee the permanent building fund is structured to support multi-year capital projects: projects receive one appropriation and any unexpended money becomes continuously appropriated under the statute cited in the presentation.

The division reported an active public-works portfolio valued at about $1.9 billion, of which $1.4 billion is capital projects and roughly 42% of capital funding has been committed. The division has typically expended $50 million to $70 million of an appropriation in the first year; the division’s report to JFAC (available on SharePoint) lists project status, authorizations and remaining balances.

Why it matters: the committee reviewed specific FY2026 recommendations and asked for accountability on projects that have not advanced in multiple years. The public-works agenda included requests ranging from lab build-outs to life-science and veterans centers, and restoration of repurposed appropriations.

Key project and budget notes presented by the division: - Chinden Campus: Director Steve Bailey and the division reported about $70 million in completed work and roughly $30 million in work in progress (about $100 million total to date); the department estimates an additional $145 million–$160 million of deferred-maintenance and ongoing maintenance work if further buildings are taken under management. The division said Chinden is largely occupied with only about 7% of rentable square feet vacant (excluding Building 3, which remains vacant). HP (a non-state tenant) occupies three of eight buildings and recently extended a lease through 2029 with a five‑year renewal option. - FY2026 permanent building fund recommendation totals approximately $122.9 million and includes: $6.5 million to expand the Department of Lands’ Ponderosa office (including improved reception security and shower/restroom facilities); $5.56 million for utilities to support a future National Guard readiness center in Bonneville County; $5.525 million for Idaho State Police District 2 in Lewiston (following unsuccessful attempts to acquire an existing building); $2.5 million to add lab space at Boise State’s Micron Center for Materials Research; $14 million toward a life-science complex at Idaho State University that would be funded by a combination of permanent building funds, agency funds ($35.77 million) and bonding ($78 million); and $8 million for a joint military science and veterans assistance center at the University of Idaho. - The request also would restore $12.5 million in appropriations that were repurposed in FY2025 for a minimum security dorm at Orofino Prison and for additional ISU physician assistant facilities. The largest line for replacement items includes $68.2 million in alterations, maintenance, accessibility projects and Capitol Mall/Chinden facility maintenance.

Lawmakers’ questions focused on timelines and project execution. Representative Miller and others asked for a clearer picture of project lifecycles; Administrator Dale Reynolds said project durations vary but noted an example where a women’s prison project is expected to take about two and a half years once construction starts. Co-chair Hermansen reminded the committee that language added to last year’s budget requires reporting and said the committee will ask for lists of projects that have not progressed within four years so funds can be repurposed.

Ending: the division reiterated that a more detailed capital-status report is available on SharePoint and offered to provide the committee with lists of projects that have not reached construction milestones as directed.