During a meeting today, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved the university to begin planning the next phases of power generation on campus, including new production capacity at the T.B. Simon Power Plant on Service Road.
The effort seeks to update the current equipment, which is nearly 60 years old, to the next generation of power production. The initial planning breaks the project into three phases for a total of nearly $50 million in general fund expenditures. Specific project bids and community input will be part of the planning process.
“Board of Trustee approval to begin planning is a big step forward in making power generation on campus more efficient,” said Dan Bollman, associate vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities. “Utilizing recent technological advancements will allow MSU to modernize its central power plant, save energy and significantly lower costs.”
Other board activity included:
- Approving $6 million in renovations to Jenison Field House including new doors and windows, work and collaboration space, office space and a classroom. Construction is expected to begin in February.
- Exploration of a proposed $2.5 million project to build an addition on the Planetarium to create classroom and office space.
- Lease of research space in Grand Rapids for future opportunities in pharmaceutical advancements.
Board members also reviewed information concerning the endowment fund, financial audit results and the fiscal year 2019 appropriation and capital outlay request to the State of Michigan.
The next board meeting will be Dec. 15.
