Department of General Services Completes Disbursement of $2.5 Million for Emergency Repairs for Baltimore City Schools

BALTIMORE, MD – In January 2018, the Maryland Department of General Services (General Services) was tasked by Governor Larry Hogan to oversee the disbursement of $2.5 million dollars in funds from the state’s Catastrophic Event Account. The funds were authorized to reimburse the Baltimore City Public School system for emergency heating system repairs to public schools.

Last winter, freezing temperatures caused a number of HVAC equipment and component failures which required numerous piping and equipment repairs, as well as repairs to other ancillary damages due to leaks from the failed heating systems. All funds made available to the school system were required to be encumbered by June 30, 2018.

“General Services is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Baltimore City to address these issues,” said General Services Secretary Ellington Churchill. “Through our efforts, we were able to leverage resources to lower energy costs and reduce operation costs to ensure there is more funding for Maryland’s students.”

As a result, General Service’s Facilities Planning, Design and Construction Division, in cooperation with Baltimore City Public Schools, reviewed 229 projects in 118 schools throughout Baltimore City during the last 10 months. The final project approved for reimbursement was for a full boiler replacement at the New Era Academy in Cherry Hill. New Era Academy is the only high school in the South Baltimore area.  The project replaced its two (2) boilers, originally installed in 1954, with three (3) new Smith Model 28HE-18 Cast iron Sectional Steam Boilers. The new boilers will increase efficiency and heat for New Era Academy as well as the neighboring school, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary/Middle School.

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About DGS: The Department of General Services is responsible for essential services and programs administered on behalf of the state, including procuring goods and services; designing, building, leasing, managing and maintaining facilities; leading energy conservation efforts; and providing essential services such as fuel management, disposition of surplus property and records management. The Department of General Services Maryland Capitol Police maintains safety and security at state buildings.