RELEASE-Library Site OK to Build

In response to concerns expressed by some members of the Maryland Legislature, Morgan State University hired a team of engineers and architects to do an analysis of the proposed site for the school's new library. The Phase I and II Geotechnical Analyses, released by the University, support the earlier findings of the Phase I analysis, concluding that there is no compelling reason that the site would not be suitable for locating Morgan's new library.

"Based on the results of our Phase I testing and information obtained from other reliable sources, this outcome is really not a surprise," says Peeter Kiik, Morgan's director of Design and Construction Management. "All of the information available to us has always moved the experts to agree that there was not a water problem associated with the proposed library site and that, indeed, the site would be quite suitable for our purposes."

The subject of heated debate and even protests by Morgan State University students during the closing hours of the 2002 Maryland General Assembly session, when funding for Phase II of the project was cut in the House Appropriations Committee, Morgan's proposed new library has now cleared a major hurdle on the road to final funding approval for construction.

According to the team of engineers and architects hired by the University to perform the geotechnical analyses, "no ground water was encountered in any of the test borings [on the site]" and concluded, "only the conventional basement wall waterproofing…will be required for the [library] project. These measures amount to a good construction practice and will not add any additional financial burden on this project." The report says Morgan's new library can be designed and constructed using conventional measures with no additional costs attributable to building on the site adjacent to the existing library where the now-demolished old Carl Murphy Fine Arts building had been located.

Morgan students have long-complained of problems with the existing Soper Library. Built in 1972, it has been plagued in recent years by poor lighting and ventilation, as well as a lack of adequate space for resource materials.

Morgan President Earl S. Richardson expressed hope that the library project can now get back on track. "This project has been delayed for nearly 10 years. For the sake of the students, it is imperative that we move forward as quickly as possible so that we can finally begin construction," said Dr. Richardson.

For additional information about Morgan's proposed new library or details about many of the quality programs being offered at Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu or contact Clinton R. Coleman, in the Office of Public Relations and Communications, at 443.885.3022.