Builder demands payment for NMHU center

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) - A construction company hired to build a student center at New Mexico Highlands University is demanding $3.2 million from the school.

The university exercised a termination for convenience clause in the contract with Makwa Builders LLC earlier this year and replaced the builder.

Makwa contends that means the company is owed for work it already has done and for the profits it would have earned upon completing the job.

University spokesman Sean Weaver tells the Las Vegas Optic that the school is disputing Makwa's claims but declined further comment.

Making the requested payment would increase the cost of the student center to $28.6 million. That's $8 million more than originally budgeted for the project.

The project is expected to be complete in December — a year later than first planned.

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Information from: Las Vegas Optic