The Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, currently under construction, is apparently jealous that the city's massive cost overruns on the Waller Creek tunnel have gotten so much attention. The Austin American-Statesman reported yesterday that projected costs have increased from the original by more than $100 million.
According to the daily, the latest increase is largely due to the fact that the original budget didn't include money for completing the interior of a building intended to house clinical and a same-day surgery services. The article notes that Michael O’Donnell, associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction took the position said the increases weren’t cost overruns but were anticipated expenses delayed until the medical school dean was hired so he could have input on the finish-out.
The university is putting up three buildings and a parking garage, the Statesman noted, and the medical school is scheduled to open for classes in July.
The paper reported that UT System Board of Regents is expected to approve a $436.4 million budget for the school today, with most of the money being underwritten by bonds. That is $101.9 million, or 30 percent, more than The $334.5 million cost originally approved in May 2013 been increased three times, to $367.4 million. Today's expected increase would add $69 million.
• UT medical school’s cost hits $436 million, a $100 million increase [AAS]
• Waller Creek Tunnel Project Hits More Design Issues, Cost Overruns [Curbed Austin]