MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Preliminary concepts and options for the renovation of the Washington State University Mount Vernon Research and Extension Unit here will be presented and discussed at a public meeting.
The meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Mount Vernon research facility, 16650 State Route 536 in Mount Vernon.
WSU has committed $6 million for a major overhaul of the 55-year old facilities, including new and expanded laboratory facilities, and potentially new public meeting spaces.
Researchers at the aging research station work in trailer houses, and crowded and outdated labs.
Plans call for adding lab and greenhouse facilities that will allow for doubling the number of scientists doing research at the facility, adding four new research disciplines including entomology, fruit horticulture, and water quality.
“Research done at the Mount Vernon facility serves the entire state, but we particularly want to make it a more valuable resource for the vital five-county area in the Northwest corner of the state,” said R. James Cook, WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences dean.
“We really want to hear from growers in Snohomish, Whatcom, Jefferson, and Clallam counties as well as Skagit about how the center can better serve their needs.”
Representatives of ARC Architects of Seattle will present initial design concepts and budget estimates, and will be available to answer questions and take comments.
Representatives of the WSU Capital Planning and Development Department and CAHNRS will be on hand to discuss plans to expand the unit’s research and outreach capabilities.
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