The Board of Trustees approved a plan to modernize the T.B. Simon Power Plant during a meeting Friday morning.
The $50 million project will save energy and lower costs. The current equipment, which is nearly 60 years old, will be updated with the intent to make power generation on campus more efficient.
On Oct. 26, Trustee Dianne Byrum attended the ribbon cutting of MSU's solar array project that is aiming to transition away from coal energy sources and integrate renewable energy to enhance conservation efforts.
"We really have made significant progress along that trail," Byrum said. "It's not anything we're going to be able to do over night but we're doing it in a very sustainable and cost-effective manner."
The project will be done in three phases, coming from general fund expenditures.
“Board of Trustee approval to begin planning is a big step forward in making power generation on campus more efficient,” Dan Bollman, associate vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities, said in a press release. “Utilizing recent technological advancements will allow MSU to modernize its central power plant, save energy and significantly lower costs.”
The board also approved $6 million for renovations to Jenison Field House, creating classrooms and office space and updating the doors and windows. Construction is expected in February for the Field House.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
