10/20/08 Options for INCLES

The Idaho National Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies is still on track and making progress. The University of Idaho's Rich Garber says the State Building Authority is seeking design proposals at the end of this month for the joint Caine Veterinary Center and the Agriculture Diagnostic Lab to be built in the Magic Valley. Trying to save money and time Garber says they're now considering using an existing facility along with the original plan of building from the ground up. GARBER "You know it would have us up and running much sooner than if we were to build from the ground up. If we had an existing facility we wouldn't have to go through all of the permitting process and the design process." By selling off the Caine endowment land in Canyon County they hoped to raise more money for INCLES construction in the Magic Valley. Garber says that plan changed with the recent drop in real estate values in the Treasure Valley. GARBER "Right now we're looking at possible ways that we can get some bridge funding to allow us to move forward with the project and give us some time for the Caldwell property to recover." Garber is still optimistic that they can overcome the obstacles and actually break ground next summer for the INCLES. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott