Deferred maintenance issues took center stage during the North Dakota House Appropriations meeting on March 11, 2025, as officials highlighted the urgent need for funding to address aging infrastructure at Dickinson State University (DSU). With buildings dating back to the 1920s and critical systems like the deaerator—essential for boiler operation—failing, the university is grappling with escalating repair costs that threaten its financial stability.

The discussion revealed that DSU's last new building was constructed in 1980, and many facilities are now in dire need of upgrades. A recent bid to replace the failing deaerator came in at a staggering $875,000, underscoring the financial strain on the university, which lacks sufficient reserves to cover such large expenses. "We can handle smaller ones, but when you start getting ones that run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, we just don't have the reserves," a university representative stated.

In addition to the deaerator, the university is also facing challenges with steam tunnels and emergency generators, with previous funding of $2.8 million allocated for these issues. However, the mounting list of deferred maintenance projects continues to grow, prompting calls for a more sustainable funding solution.

The representatives expressed strong support for House Bill 1128, which proposes a revolving loan fund to help manage these costs. Advocates argue that this approach would allow the university to finance repairs at lower interest rates, keeping funds within the system rather than relying on external investors. "Why not pay ourselves interest instead of paying investors?" one representative questioned, emphasizing the potential benefits of the proposed loan fund.

As the meeting concluded, the university's request for $48.5 million for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence was also highlighted, marking a significant investment in the future of education at DSU. The discussions reflect a critical moment for the university as it seeks to balance immediate maintenance needs with long-term educational goals.