IAST plans close to being approved

After more than four years of study, delays and heated controversy, the University and the U.S. Air Force are taking a step toward resolving the fate of Smith Hall and the construction of the Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. According to Air Force spokesperson Jane Knowlton, the historical review and Environmental Impact Study of the multi-million dollar project are now complete. Vice Provost for Research Barry Cooperman will release the contents of those reports today. The studies were initiated after the University and the Air Force became embroiled in controversy over whether to demolish Smith Hall, a 100-year-old campus building. The federal government selected the University as the site for the IAST in 1991. The project, originally under the direction of the Department of Defense, was eventually turned over to the Air Force. Air Force officials began the historical and environmental reviews to determine whether the Smith Hall site is appropriate for the IAST. A memorandum printed as an advertisement in today's Daily Pennsylvanian explains the process by which the studies were completed and addresses a legal agreement between the University, the Air Force and other parties. "The agreement outlines a consultation process that all the parties are agreeing to participate in," Knowlton said. "The historic review looks at the impact on Smith Hall," she added. "The memorandum provides for a design review process to ensure the compatibility of new construction with the surrounding district." The EIS will not officially be available for public review in the Federal Register until March 24, Knowlton said. If the Air Force gives its approval to the IAST project, the Defense Department would give the University $35 million towards the completion of the project. Other fundraising efforts are already underway. After the EIS is officially released, a Record of Decision will be made and published April 24.