August 2, 2011, Tuesday - Section 106 Consultation Meeting to Receive Input on the Design of Proposed Renovations to the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory of the U of M

Time:  6:30 – 8:30 pm

Location:  Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory Auditorium, 2 Third Avenue SE

The National Science Foundation (NSF) gives notice of a Section 106 consultation meeting, pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act, to receive input on the design of proposed renovations to the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) of the University of Minnesota. In response to a proposal from the University of Minnesota (UMN) highlighting the need for renovations to SAFL to permit it to continue to support forefront research, NSF has awarded funds to UMN to develop a design for the renovations and, if the design is satisfactory, to cover the cost of some of the renovation work.

A preliminary design has been developed that, in addition to interior renovations, also includes enhancement of the Outdoor Stream Laboratory that forms part of SAFL and the installation of an elevator shaft. NSF invites interested members of the public to provide comment on the preliminary design and input to inform the final stages of the design process. To provide an opportunity for public engagement with interested parties, NSF is coordinating a Section 106 consultation meeting with the following meeting objectives:
1. Review the preliminary (schematic) design for the proposed renovation
2. Describe the scientific objectives of the proposed renovation
3. Receive comments from interested parties regarding whether there are adverse effects on any historic properties within the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District and, if so, ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate those effects. A second opportunity for public engagement is to provide comments through a web-site: www.saflr3.umn.edu.

Those interested may view there a copy of the preliminary design, as well as learn more about the mission of SAFL and the planning of the renovation. Comments on the preliminary design may be emailed to ari@nsf.gov. To be considered in the design process, comments must be received before August 15, 2011.

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