Sacramento State broke ground on $12.5 million Modoc Hall last week.

The 4-story building being build behind the new Regional and Continuing Education Building will provide approximately 85,000 gross square feet of office, laboratory, conference room and multipurpose space.

Future Modoc Hall occupants include the CSUS Foundation Office of Water Treatment Programs, the Foundation Contracts office, Research and Graduate Studies and the Cal Trans Waste Water Treatment Program.

Negotiations for a lease contract with the Unites States Geological Survey are still under way.

The USGS Water Quality Division, in Placer Hall since 1996, has worked with faculty in joint projects and provided internship and employment opportunities for students in the geology, geography, biological sciences and other related departments.

“There is a wonderful bond with the USGS and the campus, giving students a hand in their field of study,” said Ron Richardson, Director of Facilities Planning, Design and Development.

Modoc Hall will also provide more space for faculty researchers to conduct their projects.

“We’re hiring new faculty and we’re bulging at the seams,” said John Manns, Director of Research and Sponsored Projects.

E.M. Kado Associates, the architect of the campus master plan, Child Development Center, Mendocino Hall and Mariposa Hall, designed the building.

The general contractor is Brown Construction.

The Foundation will sell revenue bonds to fund construction, and Modoc Hall is scheduled to be completed in December 2003.