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[[underlined]] Mt. Hopkins Observatory [[/underlined]]

Construction of a support building that connects two existing telescope buildings is nearing completion. This annex will provide additional space for the storage, operation and movement of sensitive electro-optical equipment. A new dining/commons building at the summit of Mt. Hopkins is under construction and scheduled for completion during the spring of 1981; an amount of approximately $305,000 has been obligated for this project.

[[underlined]] Museum of African Art [[/underlined]]

Detailed plans and specifications are complete for the project to bring the Museum of African Art buildings up to minimum standards for fire protection, safety and handicapped accessibility and for essential repairs. Bids are being solicited and it is expected that a contract will be awarded in early FY 1981; an amount of approximately $315,000 is available for construction.

[[underlined]] National Zoological Park and Front Royal Conservation and Research Center [[/underlined]]

This year at Rock Creek, the North American Animal exhibit opened in May and the new Ape House is scheduled to open in October. Renovation of the Reptile House, including a new nocturnal exhibit in the basement and an outside crocodile exhibit is scheduled to be finished in February 1981. Renovation of the small mammal house is planned to be complete by July 1981. Construction of Monkey Island (FY 1981 appropriation of $1.84 million) is expected to start in early spring 1981 and will require about one year for completion. Currently the Aquatic Habitat exhibit is in the planning stage of design, which is to be scheduled to be completed by August 1981.