N.J. Admin. Code § 15:21-11.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 15:21-11.5 - Eligible project costs

(a) In order to promote the construction of projects in an economical manner, the Board, upon recommendation of the State Librarian, shall periodically set a ceiling on maximum per square foot project cost beyond which project costs will not be eligible in the computation of the State share of funding. Maximum square feet costs of new construction and renovation have been set at:

1. $ 160.00 per square foot for new construction; and

2. $ 120.00 per square foot for renovation.

(b) Should some portion of the proposed construction be intended for use for other than library purposes, such as municipal offices or a general municipal meeting room, this space may not be included in the computation of available square feet of space. Construction costs relating to these non-public library use areas are not eligible to be used for matching purposes. The application shall clearly designate the non-public library use areas and their related costs. Grant awards shall be reduced by the amount of those related costs.

(c) The cost of any shared space submitted for grant funding shall be prorated on the basis of the percentage of library use. For example, a meeting room that shall be used 50 percent of the time by the public library is eligible for funding at only 50 percent of the cost.

(d) The following project costs shall be eligible for grants, at the discretion of the Board:

1. Construction of new buildings and expansion, rehabilitation or acquisition of existing buildings to be used for public library purposes;

2. Expenses, other than interest and the carrying charge on bonds, incurred after August 18, 1999, related to the acquisition of land on which there is to be construction of new buildings or expansion of existing buildings or acquisition of existing buildings to be used for public library purposes, provided the expenses constitute an actual cost or a transfer of public funds in accordance with the usual procedures generally applicable to all State and local agencies and institutions;

3. Site grading and improvement of land on which buildings used for public library purposes are located or are to be located;

4. Architectural, engineering, consulting and inspection services related to the specific project for which application for financial assistance is made; and

5. Expenses relating to the acquisition and installation of equipment to be located in public library facilities, including all necessary building fixtures and utilities, furniture and equipment, such as library shelving and filing equipment, catalogs, cabinets, circulation desks, reading tables, study carrels, and information retrieval devices including video, voice, and data telecommunications equipment and linkages with a useful life of 10 years or more necessary for Internet access, but not including books or other library materials. Only equipment to be used in projects funded under this act is eligible. In no case shall costs for furnishings and equipment that are in excess of 30 percent of the total renovation costs of the project be considered eligible for matching.

N.J. Admin. Code § 15:21-11.5