UNC-System leaders have delayed their request for $74 million in new construction money in response to concerns expressed by State Budget Director Art Pope, who called the original UNC-System budget unrealistic.

UNC Board of Governors Chairman Peter Hans and UNC-System President Tom Ross produced a memo addressed to Pope, Gov. Pat McCrory, and legislative leaders that stated they were “keenly aware” of budget challenges facing the state. 

However, the UNC System is standing by its requested increase of more than $108 million in additional operating money, which is about 4.6 percent more than the 2013-14 appropriation. 

Hans and Ross said the request is 1.5 percent more than the University spent in 2012-13 and $8.2 million less than the state spent in 2007-08.

“We are committed to being careful and effective stewards of the resources entrusted to the University,” Hans and Ross wrote in the memo. “We also have a responsibility to the people of North Carolina to preserve and strengthen one of the state’s greatest assets. Particularly when our capital and repair and renovation request are viewed in proper context, we believe the budget priorities adopted by the Board of Governors and submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly reflect that commitment and responsibility.”