UNR requests $7.63M to complete Nevada State Public Health Laboratory
November 14, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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University of Nevada, Reno officials asked the Senate committee to approve $7,630,000 in SB4 to finish the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory on the UNR campus.
President Brian Sandoval told the committee the project has benefitted from a prior $75 million ARPA allocation for construction but that construction inflation and higher labor costs forced essential equipment and contingency cuts. "This new 54,000 square foot building is designed to significantly increase the state's capacity in infectious disease testing, newborn screening, toxicology, environmental health, and emergency public health response," Sandoval said. He added more than $39 million has already been expended and that the additional funds would restore essential components removed during value engineering.
Senators asked about project-labor agreements, equipment sourcing and timeline. Sandoval confirmed the university has committed to a PLA and said the equipment has been ordered domestically. He estimated the building is at least 60% through the dry-in stage and said the project is on track for completion in August 2026.
Sandoval said the request is not for expansion but to deliver the lab's full capabilities on day one; committee members asked for continued updates on procurement and a rundown of equipment still outstanding.
President Brian Sandoval told the committee the project has benefitted from a prior $75 million ARPA allocation for construction but that construction inflation and higher labor costs forced essential equipment and contingency cuts. "This new 54,000 square foot building is designed to significantly increase the state's capacity in infectious disease testing, newborn screening, toxicology, environmental health, and emergency public health response," Sandoval said. He added more than $39 million has already been expended and that the additional funds would restore essential components removed during value engineering.
Senators asked about project-labor agreements, equipment sourcing and timeline. Sandoval confirmed the university has committed to a PLA and said the equipment has been ordered domestically. He estimated the building is at least 60% through the dry-in stage and said the project is on track for completion in August 2026.
Sandoval said the request is not for expansion but to deliver the lab's full capabilities on day one; committee members asked for continued updates on procurement and a rundown of equipment still outstanding.
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