Installing energy-saving light fixtures, renovating the Physics-Astronomy Building and engineering a livestock research facility are some of the issues up for discussion at the MSU Board of Trustees meeting Friday.

About half of the university's fluorescent lights will be replaced with high efficient lighting if the board approves the project, said Bob Nestle, university engineer.

The new bulbs would use less light, which allows the university to save $250,000 across campus, he said.

Nestle said there is a lot of work involved, including replacing 162,000 fluorescent bulb tubes. The project is expected to be completed by August 2004 with board approval.

The board also will make a decision regarding a $8.2 million renovation project for the Physics-Astronomy Building. The project allows the Psychology Department to move into one building.

The project entails assembling a new fire alarm and emergency lighting system, new ceilings, windows and doors as well as replacing mechanical systems, electrical alterations and other renovations to bring the building up to university and building code standards.

A proposal to build a livestock research facility for the Veterinary Research Farm also will go before the board.

Construction would include a 9,200-square-foot Animal Science Laboratory with adjacent animal research facilities. The laboratory will support animal genomics and biotechnology research.

If approved, SmithGroup of Detroit will be the architect and engineer for the project.

The board will meet at 10 a.m. Friday on the fourth floor of the Administration Building.

Stephanie Korneffel