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STRI RESEARCH VESSEL

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) is building a 100' research vessel to replace its R/V Benjamin. The new vessel will allow expansion of ship-based marine research and provide STRI and international scientists new and unique capabilities for research in the fields of biological, physical and chemical oceanography. As a sophisticated, versatile and mobile research facility, the vessel will provide necessary support for the first time to develop a comprehensive understanding of current and past communities and ecosystems in the rapidly developing tropical Eastern Pacific and Caribbean regions. The vessel is critical for continuation and growth of research by STRI's molecular evolution, paleoecology and marine ecology programs. Congressionally appropriated funds and funds from the sale of the R/V Benjamin will cover the majority of the construction and equipment costs. 

Contract design has been completed and bid solicitations will be completed by mid-July with construction commencing October 1. Completion is scheduled for October 1993.

NZP'S AMAZONIA EXHIBITION

The construction phase of the Forest/River portion of the Amazonia Exhibit is almost complete. Trees and undergrowth will be planted in May; fish will be placed in the four large pools in June, July and August; mammal and bird species will be placed into the exhibit in October. The design process for the Science Gallery has already begun and a completed plan is tentatively set for November 1992 and opening in 1993.

Construction of the aquatics education area will begin late May/June and should be completed by September/October. Educational materials and graphics and landscaping should be in place by mid-November with the tentative opening of the Amazonia Exhibit slated for November 1992.

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM

Construction of the National Postal Museum is five percent complete. Because of the need to rebid the mechanical equipment portion of the construction package, the construction is expected to require approximately six months for completion. The entire facility will be ready for occupancy early in October 1992. In order to maintain as much of the original schedule as possible, a plan has been devised which would enable the staff to occupy the administrative offices in July, while the rest of the facility is being completed.

The exhibits planning process has reached the 65 percent design phase. A formal design review by the Institution's Office of Design and Construction will occur this month. 

The first meeting of the museum's 15 member Advisory Commission has been scheduled for May 14 at the National Museum of American History.