Universities planning to build new sports facilities are being hit with construction costs twice as high as a decade ago.
The University of Oregon, USC in Los Angeles, and the University of Central Florida are some of the schools that are facing sticker shock from long planned arenas that are now under construction.
"A building boom in China and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina have multiplied the cost of raw materials...[meanwhile,] college athletic departments build bigger and fancier arenas for their basketball teams. The trends have collided to produce eye-popping price increases."
"For example, HOK Sport designed a modern-looking, 8,000-seat arena at the University of Tulsa (Okla.) that cost $28 million in 1998. Less than 10 years later, the HOK-designed arena at Central Florida in Orlando that opens next year and is similar to Tulsa's will cost $80 million."
FULL STORY: Building costs drive up price tag for splashy arenas

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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