The extensive rains of the last two months could end up saving Manteca Unified taxpayers money.
That’s because the series at “atmospheric rivers” that dumped an unusually high amount of rain in a short period of time accelerated known roof issues and such at several campuses.
The state has asked districts to fast track water intrusion repairs.
Manteca Unified had already identified $10 million worth of such work in its modernization projects.
In doing the work ahead of schedule it could mean MUSD may be eligible for possible Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for a portion of the work.
That’s because Congressman Josh Harder successfully made the case that San Joaquin County should be declared a federal disaster area by President Biden due to the heavy rains and flooding that caused damage throughout the region.
Regardless of possible FEMA funds being obtained, the work will now take place ahead of schedule separate from modernization plans.
The effort the district is now undertaking will also include an overall updated assessment of roofing condition throughout the district.
Immediate projects include the New Haven School library building, East Union High classrooms, the Yosemite Avenue campus that houses the online academy, and Sierra High.
It will also cover water intrusion issues at the district office.
The district office project includes wall, window, and roofing repairs.
If the district is successful at obtaining money for such work, it will free up funds for other maintenance issues as well as free up bond money for other modernization projects or to cover construction inflation.
It is the same approach the district used with part of the $115 million in federal COVID relief funds.
The district is using that to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems that were already identified in bond modernization projects as either past the point of being cost effective to repair, didn’t meet new air filtration standards, or were nearing end of their useful life expectancy.
In doing so, it is freeing up millions of dollars in bond money that can be used for other modernization projects.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email [email protected]