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BGS urges retaining $2M for 120 State Street as FEMA offer and central MEP option remain uncertain
Summary
Buildings & General Services asked lawmakers to keep $2 million in the FY27 capital plan for 120 State Street HVAC/MEP work while FEMA reviews state applications; BGS said total identified needs are about $5.325M and that a potential FEMA '428' lump‑sum resolution could change design priorities, so the agency requested flexibility on how the funds are used.
Buildings & General Services told the House Corrections & Institutions Committee that work on 120 State Street — which requires HVAC/MEP replacement and interior renovations after flood damage — should retain $2 million in the FY27 capital plan while the state awaits a FEMA offer and assesses whether a 428 lump‑sum option could be used for a broader capital solution.
Commissioner Wanda Manoli said BGS has applied to FEMA and the agency is in regular contact; staff expect an offer but cannot predict the timing. BGS officials said the agency has identified approximately $5.325 million in needs for 120 State Street (including prior appropriations and proposed funds). Manoli said FEMA may provide a lump‑sum approach under a “428” methodology that would give the state flexibility to fund a central mechanical/MEP building for the capital complex rather than rebuilding each building's systems individually.
Committee members asked about tenant relocation, temporary DMV operations, and whether the $2 million should be tightly targeted to 120 State Street or include flexibility to connect to a potential central MEP solution. BGS said the money would likely be used for planning, design and preconstruction activities and that final design will depend on FEMA’s offer; if the state rejects FEMA's option the project would proceed to the previously planned 120‑only renovation.
BGS also reviewed contingency balances and warned that some permit‑driven deadlines (for stormwater permits on certain projects) could trigger penalties if projects are not funded and pursued; BGS asked for clarity on exceptions in appropriation language if the committee reduces some items that carry compliance obligations.
Next procedural step: BGS asked the committee to retain the FY27 $2 million while agencies and FEMA continue discussions and to include language that would allow the funds to be used in a way consistent with FEMA outcomes, with BGS providing further detail to the committee when an offer is received.
