The bill seeks to significantly improve public higher education infrastructure in the commonwealth by allocating $1.25 billion for capital improvements, maintenance, and modernization of facilities at state and community colleges, as well as the University of Massachusetts. This funding will address deferred maintenance, support decarbonization efforts, and facilitate major capital projects, while also establishing grant programs totaling $100 million for repairs and technology initiatives aimed at enhancing remote learning and career technical education. Key amendments include delegating project control for projects under $10 million to the Massachusetts State College Building Authority and allowing the commissioner of higher education to dispose of surplus real property from public institutions, with certain conditions.

Furthermore, the bill amends various sections of the General Laws to improve the management and funding of public higher education and transportation infrastructure. It creates the Education and Transportation Innovation and Capital Account for one-time investments and establishes a Higher Education Property Disposition Fund for capital projects related to decarbonization and critical repairs. The state treasurer is authorized to issue bonds totaling up to $2.83 billion for public higher education capital expenditures, with an additional $170 million for other specified expenditures. These bonds will be payable from the Education and Transportation Fund and will not affect the limits on outstanding bonds or debt service calculations, while also introducing a new definition for "Project" to cover a wider range of construction and renovation activities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 7C-5