Note 22 Commitments and Contingencies

A. Commitments

At June 30, 2000, the State, including its component units, had the following outstanding commitments:

1. Infrastructure (highways, roads, etc.) and other construction contracts and miscellaneous contracts with various vendors totaling approximately $1,533.8 million of which $870.3 million is expected to be reimbursed by federal grants or other payments.
2. School construction and alteration grants with various towns for $2,541.4 million and interest costs of $294.1 million for a total of $2,835.5 million. Funding for these projects is expected to come from bond sales.
3. Loan commitments, mortgage and grant programs, and loan guarantees total approximately $502.2 million. Funding for these programs is expected to come from bond sales.

B. Contingent Liabilities

The State has entered into a contractual agreement with H.N.S. Management Company, Inc. and ATE Management and Service Company, Inc. to manage and operate the bus transportation system for the State. The State shall pay all expenses of the system including all past, present and future pension plan liabilities of the personnel employed by the system and any other fees as agreed upon. When the agreement is terminated the State shall assume or make arrangements for the assumption of all the existing obligations of the management companies including but not limited to all past, present and future pension plan liabilities and obligations.

C. Litigation

The State, its units and employees are parties to numerous legal proceedings, many of which normally occur in government operations. Most of these legal proceedings are not, in the opinion of the Attorney General, likely to have a material adverse impact on the State's financial position.

There are, however, several legal proceedings which, if decided adversely against the State, may require the State to make material future expenditures for expanded services or capital facilities or may impair future revenue sources. It is neither possible to determine the outcome of these proceedings nor to estimate the possible effects adverse decisions may have on the future expenditures or revenue sources of the State.

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