Administration

University to make much-needed facilities upgrades

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. -- The University Park Airport, Penn State Data Center and other facilities will get some much-needed upgrades in the coming months, the Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning learned today (July 10).

At the airport, the University will replace approximately 378 lights and their associated wiring, cabling and circuitry on the perimeters of the various taxiways. The existing old quartz and incandescent lights have reached the end of their useful life and existing circuitry continues to require increasing maintenance to keep them functional. The new lights will feature energy efficient LED technology. The cost estimate for this project is $1.2 million.

The University also will replace the asphalt general (GA) aviation apron and demolish selected hangars and hangar foundations. The project includes installation of a new GA apron, three parking lots, stormwater management facilities, lighting, an access road, general grading, erosion and sediment controls, and signing and marking elements. The cost estimate for this project is $4.4 million.

Based on the current need for additional server space and power, Hershey Medical Center requires co-location space within the existing ITS Data Center Facilities at University Park in advance of the new data center construction. Presently, the Computer Building is the only facility available to provide reliable power and cooling co-location facilities for the anticipated capacities. The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) has similar power and reliability needs that will be accommodated by this project.

The physical spaces for Hershey and ARL will be within the first floor area in the Computer Building. Due to ARL Department of Defense requirements, these spaces will be secured within new walls with appropriate security measures. The cost estimate for this project is $1.3 million.

The University also intends to renovate the team meeting room and lobby of the Lasch Football Building. The project includes new carpeting, lighting, furniture, finishes and wall graphics, as well as new paint and seating at the Nittany Lion Training Table in Pollock Dining Commons. The cost estimate for this project is $2 million.

Last Updated July 14, 2014