ESCANABA — Bay College is partnering with Johnson Controls (JCI) to advance critical college infrastructure. The plan totals $2.8 million and includes two recently completed roofs, along with boilers, air handlers, parking lot lighting and several efficiency measures. The plan is streamlined to include a minimal level of upgrades to maintain campus operations, safety, and the health of Bay College students, employees and visitors.

The board of trustees have been working with JCI to streamline the contract after a failed millage attempt in November 2019. “There are many necessary upgrades we must do at the College. Several boilers and air handlers are 30 plus years old, are inefficient and spare part supplies are challenging. We also need to make outside areas safer for students and employees on campus with added high-efficiency lighting, most specifically pathways to on-campus housing. Even though the new contract includes a “bare bones” approach, upgrades will improve efficiency on campus, saving maintenance and energy costs, as well as improve the learning environment.” stated Bay College President, Dr. Laura Coleman.

Infrastructure improvements will be funded with a $2.2 million bond paid over 14 years with annual capital improvement funds, supplemented with CARES Act dollars, to upgrade air handling and ventilation systems.