MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Northwestern Washington agricultural producers will have their first opportunity to walk through the ongoing construction of Washington State University’s new Agricultural Research and Technology Building. The building is the centerpiece of an $8 million renovation and expansion of WSU’s 58 year-old Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center near Mount Vernon.
The construction site tour will be held Thursday, June 8, beginning at 11:30 am with a brief update on the renovation and fundraising efforts, followed by a walking tour of the construction site (hard hats will be available). A number of those who will preview the new facility are also donors to the project.
The NWREC is located just west of Mount Vernon at 16650 State Route 536 (old Memorial Highway).
Construction of the building began last August and completion is scheduled for this August.
The NWREC modernization includes demolition of 15,364 square feet of obsolete and substandard facilities and replacing them with 16,075 square feet of new research and administration space. A new 3,200 square foot research greenhouse will also be constructed.
As a major commitment in support of western Washington agriculture WSU committed $6 million to the much-needed renovation. Additional funding is being provided through grants from Skagit County and the Port of Skagit County, and a $1.5 million WSU Foundation community fund-raising campaign.
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