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-231- [[underlined]] Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory - Mt. Hopkins [[/underlined]] Plans for a new dormitory (estimated construction cost $240,000) at Mt. Hopkins are nearing completion, and construction is expected to begin early next year. Design for a telescope support annex is in progress, and documents have been completed for securing contractual services for the design of a water distribution and storage system. Road repairs continue as funding becomes available. [[underlined]] Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute [[/underlined]] Design of a new seawater system for laboratories at Naos will be complete by January 1, 1979 and construction is expected to begin around March 1979 at an estimated cost of $251,000. Plans also are being developed for a new dormitory on Barro Colorado Island at an anticipated cost of about $125,000; construction is expected to begin around next August. [[underlined]] National Zoological Park Construction and Front Royal Conservation Center [[/underlined]] A construction contract was awarded in October for the new ape house ($2,735,000 total cost estimate); work has begun and the project is scheduled for completion around July 1980. A construction contract also has been awarded for the North American Animal Exhibit ($467,600 estimated cost). This exhibit will include exhibit facilities for the kit fox, bobcat, ocelot and jagurundi, fisher and porcupine, prairie dog, wolverine and woodchuck. Work is underway and completion is expected during the fall of 1979.