ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 11, 2000) -- The Board of Public Works has approved a $2,369,500 contract, which includes a State grant of $1,357,724, for construction and renovation of the field house/gymnasium addition at Frederick Community College. Frederick County will dedicate the remaining $1,011,776 to the project.

        "This project is an outstanding partnership between the State and Frederick County that will help create more than 60 new jobs for Western Maryland," said Governor Parris N. Glendening. "These improvements at the gymnasium/field house will also help ensure that Frederick Community College has a first-class, modern facility to meet students' needs well into the future."

        "It is critical that we make investments to improve our community colleges and modernize them for the challenges of the new century," said Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. "This grant will enhance Frederick Community College's reputation as a fine school while providing its students with a state-of-the-art physical education/athletics facility."

        The board approved award of the contract to Callas Contractors, Inc., of Hagerstown, the lowest of four Maryland bidders. Construction will begin this month with completion expected in January 2001.

        The project involves the renovation of the existing 30,693 gross square-foot field house/gymnasium. Included will be the installation of an air-conditioning system; renovation of ceilings, walls and structural steel in the gym; replacement of light fixtures; construction of a vending area, locker rooms and an aerobics classroom; expansion of the weight room and wellness facilities; and the construction of visiting team locker rooms and storage space.

        Frederick Community College President Dr. Patricia Stanley said, "This project is the last of the major buildings to be renovated on our 30-year-old campus. We are so pleased to know that when completed, our gymnasium/field house will allow FCC to better serve athletic teams, academic programs and the community."

        More than 4,200 credit students attend Frederick Community College, which provides liberal arts transfer and associate degree programs, as well as career-oriented and continuing education/ community services programs.

        The Board meeting was chaired by Lt. Governor Townsend. The Board of Public Works, which is chaired by the Governor, is also comprised of Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Treasurer Richard N. Dixon. The board is empowered by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions, and other procurement actions.

        The Maryland Department of General Services' (www.dgs.state.md.us) Project Management and Design Division reviews community college construction projects. In FY 99, 40 community college contracts valued at more than $17 million were awarded across the State.

CONTACT:

Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us

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