Increased costs impact school construction projects across the state
Increased costs and labor shortages are impacting the needs of Maine school districts that have plans for new construction in the works.
Maine Public reported that some project costs have increased by 30% or more. Yarmouth Superintendent Andrew Dolloff told Maine Public his district planned for about $35 million for expansion of three schools, but estimates came in over $60 million. Associated General Contractors of Maine CEO Matt Marks said rising costs are due in part to rising materials costs and to competing projects from organizations like Colby College and Maine Medical Center.
Colby College has made a $50 million investment in downtown Waterville, including buying and renovating four buildings and constructing a 150,000-square-foot mixed use building slated to open in August.
Maine Medical Center this year began a multi-phase $512 million modernization project at its Portland campus.
There’s also competition from growing demand in residential construction. In Yarmouth, Economic Development Director Scott LaFlamme told Mainebiz in April that residential construction demand is expected to continue to increase, especially with an expected “tidal wave” of infill projects. Rising materials costs and a labor shortage is also affecting that industry.
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