Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a local construction project is starting off under budget.

• The Palm Springs College of the Desert (COD) campus project is off to a strong start financially, officials said earlier this month. Initial construction phases are 43% under budget, with overall costs tracking on target for the $405.7 million project.
  
• Project manager Robert Rauscher shared the promising update with the Community College District Board of Trustees, highlighting the rare achievement in today’s volatile construction market.
  
• Post-pandemic, nearly every update to a construction budget includes a massive budget increase as costs associated with building materials skyrocketed in the past few years.
  
• Bottom line: The construction is proceeding in three planned increments, with preliminary work already underway on the first increment. More visible construction activity is expected soon on the 29-acre site at East Tahquitz Canyon Way and South Farrell Drive. Read full article here