Viewing page 247 of 267

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-107-

Work related to the new proprietary security system, which is now in the planning and design phase, will be a major element in this category: projects will require some demolition and rewiring and the instillation of new electronic equipment and detection devices. Another major project now under design is an upgraded, energy efficient, exterior security lighting system for all buildings on the Mall. Construction related to both of these projects will proceed throughout the next five years, and is expected to require about $6,200,000.

[[underlined]] Other Projects and Construction [[/underlined]]

[[underlined]] Astrophysical Observatory [[/underlined]]

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory depends entirely upon rental space for its activities in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In FY 1980, these rentals will total about $850,000. An Observatory-owned facility at Cambridge could offset long-term escalating rental costs, and provide additional benefits of consolidation of locations and increased space. The feasibility of constructing a building will be explored with Harvard University this year.

Further development of facilities at the Mt. Hopkins Observatory is required to support expanded research activities associated with the installation of the Multiple Mirror Telescope. Construction of the dining/common building ($305,000) is expected to be complete by April 1981, and the telescope/electronics annex building will be complete by October 1980. Design and engineering to convert the single-lane unpaved access road into a safe, in-sloped, all-weather road is complete, and work will begin soon using about $80,000 from FY 1980 and $100,000 expected in FY 1981. Over the next five years, up to $1,000,000 will be required for continued road improvements, including a $500,000 FY 1982 request.

In addition, construction authorization will be sought to relocate administrative and support activities from Amado (about 18 miles from the summit) to the base of the mountain on Forrest Service land. It is anticipated that about $300,000 would be required in FY 1983 for design and $3,200,000 in FY 1984 for construction. requirements for these facilities include administrative space for about twenty persons, a library/conference center, luncheon facilities, and an electronics laboratory and documentation room; a vehicle maintenance center for automobiles and heavy equipment; a storage and shipping and receiving building; and a small visitor reception facility.

SAO construction, road improvements, and other facility requirements are estimated to cost about $5,800,000 over this planning period.

[[underlined]] Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Studies [[/underlined]]

Present facilites at the Chesapeake Bay Center include renovated dairy barn with a new laboratory wing addition, an education and dormitory building, several small farm buildings which provide for storage and vehicle and boat maintenance, and several trailers.