Building Authority

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Welcome to the University of Massachusetts Building Authority

The UMass Building Authority is a distinct, public organization established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1960. Its mission is to build facilities on the University of Massachusetts campuses that could be financed from student fees and charges. Facilities include student dormitories, dining facilities and parking garages. For a listing of current projects, please click here.

In recent years the Authority has expanded its role and now builds academic buildings, laboratories, athletic facilities, heating plants, and other facilities, as well as providing funding for the repair and renovation of existing campus facilities.

In order to construct facilities, the Authority borrows funds by issuing tax-exempt bonds. The University has pledged to pay the principal and interest on the bonds issued by the Authority over the life of the bonds. The Authority is also responsible for the construction of these facilities and hires architects, engineers and construction firms to design and build them. After the facilities are completed, they are used and maintained by the University while the Authority maintains ownership of the buildings.

By statute, the Authority has eleven members, appointed by the Governor, who oversee the activities of the Authority. Five of these members are also Trustees of the University of Massachusetts. Two of the six non-trustee Members must be graduates of the University.

For additional information about the Authority, please review this recent presentation to the University's Trustees.

Parties interested in responding to project RFP's should visit the Authority's RFP page.

For a copy of the recent letter from David MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Authority, to the Daily Hampshire Gazette regarding the Authority's Central Heating Plant Project please click here.

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