Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station seeks $1.2 million for studies and $1 million for HVAC; $36.9 million Valley Laboratory project moves toward bid
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Summary
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station requested $1.2 million in FY26 for building predesign and HVAC work and reported progress on a $36.9 million Valley Laboratory renovation expected to be put out to bid soon.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station told the General Obligation Bonding Subcommittee it supports Governor Lamont’s recommended capital budget, which includes $1,200,000 for fiscal 2026 to alter and renovate buildings and grounds.
Dr. Jason White, director of the Experiment Station, said $200,000 of that allocation is planned for a predesign study of the Slate Laboratory building and the Osborne Library. He told the committee the Osborne Library is “the state's oldest structure, and it's the oldest agricultural experiment station in the country,” and that Slate Laboratory — opened in 1958 — has had few upgrades and is not ADA compliant.
The presentation noted $1,000,000 of the recommended amount would replace a 75‑ton rooftop HVAC unit for the Johnson Forestfall Laboratory and replace two central steam boilers, equipment the station described as near the end of useful life. The Johnson Forestfall building houses the station’s biosafety level 3 laboratory that supports vector‑borne disease research and surveillance.
Nut graf: In addition to the FY26 request, the station reported progress on two larger ongoing projects: a nearly complete greenhouse renovation supported by a prior $1,000,000 authorization, and the Valley Laboratory project in Windsor, a $36,900,000 endeavor currently in the contract document phase and expected to be bid by the end of the month.
Details and timeline
- Jenkins Wagoner Greenhouse: The renovation is nearly complete; final punch‑list items remain and the station expects to occupy the space later this month.
- Valley Laboratory renovation: The $36,900,000 total project will renovate a 1940 building and add modern laboratory and greenhouse space. To date, $4,200,000 has been allocated for design and contract work; the station reported DAS has requested that OPM allocate the remaining $32,596,505 at the next bond commission meeting to avoid construction delays.
Ending: Dr. White told the committee the Valley Lab work “would ensure no additional delays and that construction can begin this summer,” and he offered to answer additional questions from subcommittee members.
