Justification for Alpina Sherpa snowmachine investment

January 8, 2016

University Relations

Still wondering what the justification was for purchasing the $40,000 Alpina Sherpa snowmachine? It is made in Italy and there is only one distributor in N. America who is located in Vermont. Between the purchase price, shipping, and whenever repairs are required it seems like it was an inappropriate purchase during a time when UAF is facing budget shortfalls. Even if there wasn't a budget crunch, the purchase would be inappropriate when any other snowmachine that can be purchased for 1/5th of the price would work just fine for grooming UAF's ski trails.

What was the total cost in acquiring the Alpina Sherpa, purchase price, shipping, etc.?

Also how was this purchased justified and who approved it?