MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State’s Board of Trustees today (July 21) approved additional funds and plan revisions for the West Campus Steam Plant modifications, which are currently in progress.
Several factors led to the request for a $9.2 million increase bringing the new authorization to $66.5 million. In 2016 it was determined that underground fuel tanks should be excavated and demolished rather than abandoned in place. This excavation provides the opportunity to add low-cost basement space to the Steam Services Building to support mechanical equipment. Additionally, revisions to the building plans add shell space on the second floor allowing for better use of scarce core campus real estate, along with the addition of a third floor to accommodate future needs.
Funding for the excavation and removal of the fuel tanks will come from reserves for capital improvement, while utility budget reserves will cover the plant and building work.
In November 2012 in order to comply with EPA and DEP air quality regulations, the Board of Trustees approved $48.3 million to convert the West Campus Steam Plant from coal to natural gas and a redesign of the Steam Services Building. The project budget was increased to $57.3 million in July 2013 to accommodate an on-campus gas pipeline route.