Committee Summary for Capital Project Overview Committee (1/12/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:02:04.640 - 8:00:51 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:02:04.640 - 8:00:51 AM; Called the Capital Project Overview Committee to order, approved minutes from September 29th, noted no old business, and introduced new business on capital projects.
Unclear: Katherine Provencher, Chancellor, University System of NH Information Only00:03:12.959 - 8:01:59 AM; Introduced herself and team, explained the need for refinancing prior debt for net present value savings and approval for two self-supporting residence hall projects at UNH. Noted that the state is not liable for the debt issued through HEFA. Turned over to President Chilton for comments.
Unclear: Elizabeth Chilton, President, UNH Information Only00:04:20.079 - 8:03:07 AM; Provided context on the importance of on-campus housing for 6,000 undergraduate students. Described the two projects as critical renovations to 1970-built first-year residence halls (Williamson and Christensen) for heating, plumbing, and labs to ensure safety, efficiency, and appeal for recruitment and retention. Requested approval for the projects.
Unclear: Bill Janelle, Associate VP for Facilities, UNH Information Only00:07:27.120 - 8:06:14 AM; Offered to provide details from the packet. Responded to questions on project timeline (4-year window, consecutive builds), enrollment decline (about 15% over 10 years), and plans to keep these halls in portfolio despite declining enrollment.
Unclear: Representative Wiler Information Only00:07:27.120 - 8:06:14 AM; Asked about completion date and enrollment decline.
Unclear: Representative Earth Information Only00:09:26.640 - 8:08:13 AM; Inquired about bonding philosophy, authority, and purpose of the $70 million issuance for the projects.
Unclear: Senator Lang Support00:10:41.760 - 8:09:28 AM; Moved to approve the projects and shared personal anecdote supporting the need for repairs to Williamson Hall.
Unclear: Sarah Stewart, Commissioner, DNCR Information Only00:11:59.600 - 8:10:46 AM; Presented Capital Project 26-0003 for Cannon Mountain, requesting $893,000 tranche for deferred maintenance below available funds. Covered general facilities repairs ($220,000), lift infrastructure (fixed jaws replacement, scenic ramp), snowmaking improvements (three LWCF-funded projects), and operations resources (shop replacement, plow truck).
Unclear: Jayce Worth, Franconia Notch State Park Information Only00:11:59.600 - 8:10:46 AM; Supported the presentation on Cannon Mountain projects, focusing on maintenance and infrastructure.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:16:31.920 - 8:15:18 AM; Seconded the motion to approve and asked about the $6 million obligation limit from 1999, suggesting potential legislation to update it due to inflation.
Unclear: Jayce Worth (update) Information Only00:17:45.039 - 8:16:32 AM; Provided informational update on Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (CAP25-9). Described ongoing structural analysis by SCJ Alliance on towers, terminals, and footings. Confirmed existing infrastructure can support a new system with some reinforcements. Noted progress on load analysis, rock anchors, bid preparation for May issuance, and updated cost estimate in January. Hypothesis of reusing infrastructure holds.
Unclear: Representative (unnamed) Information Only00:22:22.159 - 8:21:09 AM; Asked if original 1978 tower design anticipated loads and if current analysis checks for degradation.
Unclear: Senator McGuire Information Only00:23:36.000 - 8:22:23 AM; Apologized for informal attire, complimented the analysis, and inquired about limited manufacturers (Leitner-Poma, Doppelmayr) and confidence in meeting schedule without delays.
Unclear: Jayce Worth (response) Information Only00:24:43.679 - 8:23:30 AM; Confirmed limited global manufacturers, ongoing pre-qualification, and organization around bid milestone to assess schedules. No indications of delays yet.
Unclear: Representative Edgar Information Only00:27:33.919 - 8:26:20 AM; Raised question on the quarterly capital budget report regarding stalled projects at New Hampshire Veterans Home, concerned about potential manpower issues or delays.
Unclear: Mr. Sheay (DAS representative) Information Only00:27:33.919 - 8:26:20 AM; Offered to follow up with Veterans Home on project status, noting dependencies on agency updates and possible vendor or public works timing issues. Promised to provide answer to the committee.
Unclear: Senator Lang Information Only00:29:36.240 - 8:28:23 AM; Moved to adjourn.