ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 10, 2004) – Building on his solid commitment to higher education in Maryland, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of a $521,750 contract for a renovation project at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The board approved award of the contract to John J. Mattingly Construction Company, Inc., of White Plains, the lowest of six Maryland companies that submitted bids.

     “We are committed to improving and upgrading facilities at Maryland’s higher education institutions,” said Governor Ehrlich. “This project is an important investment in our students-- and our future.”

      The project includes renovation of the 6,750 square-foot lower level of Calvert Hall, the college’s original building. Calvert Hall was constructed in 1845 and rebuilt in 1924 following an extensive fire. It presently serves as the college’s main administration building and also as a residence hall. The renovation will rebuild the lower level to accommodate educational and administrative functions and to create storage space for college archival and artwork materials.

      The Maryland Department of General Services’ Construction Division will administer the project. The renovation design was handled by Baltimore-based Kann and Associates, Inc. Work is expected to be completed this summer.

      Governor’s Ehrlich’s FY 2005 capital budget includes $194 million for colleges and universities. One of the major projects is a new $19 million academic building at St. Mary’s.

      With an enrollment of almost 1,800 students, St. Mary’s has been honored by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation in last year’s college rankings. St. Mary’s, ranked 78th overall, and is among the elite higher educational institutions selected for the U.S. News list.

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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