Cranes and construction workers begin to set the metal core of CASNR's new $13.6 million expansion and renovation of what will be known as the 'Bayer Plant Science Building.' Eric Hequet, chairman of Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, said construction is on schedule and the building should be completed by the end of August. The department will organize an open house day soon after, probably in early October. The project adds 21,122 square feet of new construction, and includes 2,440 square feet of renovation and exterior upgrades to the existing home of the university's Department of Plant and Soil Science. The building project is funded by donations to Texas Tech, including lead contributions from Bayer CropScience.

CONTACT: Eric Hequet, Department Chair, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2838 or eric.hequet@ttu.edu

0220NM15 / PHOTO: N Martin