Approval to use additional USDA grant funds to replace the HVAC system in the Aquaculture Nutrition Building of the KSU Land Grant Program.

The Aquaculture Program in the Kentucky State University Land Grant Program is KSU's Program of Distinction and the Aquaculture research, teaching, and Extension programming is considered in the top 5 programs in the nation. The 3,500-square-foot nutrition laboratory is located on the KSU campus and contains a wet laboratory for fish nutrition studies. We had previously requested permission from the KSU Board of Regents to use of $60,000 in Federal USDA Grant Funds for replacement of the HVAC system HVAC system in the Aquaculture Nutrition Building. A review and design by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Division of Engineering and Contract Administration has now updated the cost of the project to be $439,671.

Federal USDA Grant funds would be used to pay for a total replacement of the HVAC system for $439,671. Procurement would follow state procurement methods that would require KSU to bid out the construction of project. All renovation/repair will also require prior USDA approval.

President Akakpo recommends that the Board of Regents approve the use of additional USDA funds for the replacement of the HVAC system in the Aquaculture Nutrition Building.

Approve the use of additional USDA funds for the replacement of the HVAC system in the Aquaculture Nutrition Building.