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Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden were completed in FY 1981 and a wheelchair lift has been installed at the Mall entrance of the Smithsonian Building. All public areas at the Museum of African Art were made accessible to the disabled during FY 1982. Several Smithsonian facilities still require additional modifications to meet recently updated standards for disabled person access. These projects are scheduled to be accomplished during the planning period. 

The elimination of exposed asbestos insulation located in several buildings continues to be a high priority. An amount of $350,000 is included in the FY 1983 budget request for this purpose, and approximately $1,800,000 will be applied to the correction of this problem between FY 1984 and FY 1988. 

Construction and equipment related to a new proprietary security system will be a prominent item in the Institution's R&R budget requests for the next 5-to-10 years. Now being designed, this system will incorporate state-of-the-art computer software which can be updated as new technology becomes available. Projects include rewiring and installation of electronic detection devices and communications equipment. Also being planned is an exterior lighting system for all Mall buildings; installations are expected to start in FY 1985. These security projects are estimated to cost about $2,400,000 between FY 1984 and 1988. 

This R&R category is estimated to require approximately $6,888,000 in appropriations over the next five years. 

[[underlined]] Utility Systems Repairs and Improvements [[/underlined]]. Upgrading the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and controls in Smithsonian facilities will contribute, more than any other factor, to the reduction of energy consumption. The HVAC systems in most buildings were designed with neither the goals of current energy standards nor the advantages of technologies that are now available. Major improvements are required, as well as minor maintenance and repairs, to achieve energy efficiency, to ensure reliability of existing systems, and to maintain environmental conditions necessary for the protection of the collection. Equipment requiring upgrading or replacement includes items such as air handlers, chillers, pumps, coils, fans, compressors, cooling towers, electronic controls, and exhaust and filtration systems. This category of work also includes associated electrical and plumbing repairs and improvements.

In FY 1983, the last construction phase for the Freer Gallery HVAC renovation project is planned for completion ($500,000). Based on the results of study and design efforts, major HVAC renovation projects and energy conservation improvements are planned for the next five years at the Natural History, American History, Arts and Industries, and American Art/Portrait Gallery Buildings. Energy conservation improvements also will be made at the Hirshhorn and Air and Space Museums. Renovation of the electrical wiring in the Smithsonian Building will continue. A new water distribution system and modern sewage treatment plant is planned for Barro