Virginia Law

A. Demonstrated need. The board shall evaluate the need for the project as demonstrated by the information provided in the Needs Assessment and Planning Study.

B. Operational cost efficiency. The board shall take into consideration the operational cost efficiency of the interior design of the facility with special concern for the number of staff required, functional layout, material selection, and energy efficiency, with special emphasis on meeting the needs of youth and the mission of the facility.

C. Construction cost. All sponsors shall calculate construction costs in accordance with the funding formula provided in 6VAC35-30-65. Construction economy shall be reviewed in relation to the adjusted median cost of local facilities.

D. Board review of construction costs. The economy of construction cost is necessary and shall be reviewed as follows:

1. Review for efficiency.

a. Projects or portions of projects involving renovation of existing facilities shall be reviewed in relation to the efficiency of the renovated spaces, the appropriateness of the proposed changes, and the relationship of the changes to the project of a whole.

b. Projects of new construction shall be reviewed for the building's appropriate efficiency ratio. The board may request further information from the sponsor on projects with a building's efficiency ratio of less than 65%.

2. The board may adjust the amount being requested for reimbursement funding as follows:

a. A reduction in funding when functional areas of the facility, such as the kitchen, recreation area, educational facilities, visiting area, and laundry facilities are not included or are included at a size not in conformance with applicable regulations or normal practice;

b. An increase in funding when support services areas are proposed at sizes larger than necessary in anticipation of future enlargements or expansions of the facility;

c. A decrease in funding when the building's efficiency ratio is less than 65%; and

d. An increase in funding when the facility includes areas for extraordinary program activities.

3. Any adjustments made by the board in funding shall be based upon the gross square footage of the various conditions multiplied by a cost equal to the adjusted median cost or the proposed gross square foot cost of the facility, whichever is less.

E. Phased reimbursement of projects. A sponsor may request, when submitting the planning study for review, to receive portions of the total project reimbursement based upon the completion of the project in phases. In response to such requests, the board may approve reimbursement based on the total estimated cost of the project as if it were to be completed as a single endeavor; however, reimbursement will be in amounts proportional to the phases of construction and payment will be made only as each approved phase is completed and that portion of the building is ready to be placed in service.