By Kim Billings, Media Relations

UNH will host an open house Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006, at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, to update the public on its marine projects in New Castle and Rye. The open house is slated from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Local and state officials will join UNH faculty and administrators to outline next steps and answer questions. Participants include representatives from the N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation, the N.H. Division of Historic Resources, and Wendy Lull, executive director of the Seacoast Science Center. UNH graduate students will also discuss current research projects.

UNH has spent the last two years working with the National Park Service and various state agencies on its plans to replace the old Coast Guard pier in New Castle. In cooperation with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and the Seacoast Science Center, UNH also plans to construct a new marine research and education facility at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye.

Initial plans called for both the laboratory and pier to be located on the former Coast Guard property. However, due to limitations imposed by historic military structures located on the property, it was determined in 2003 that this site could not accommodate the proposed lab.

At the Jan. 26 open house, the public can view the university’s conceptual plans for both the New Castle and Rye sites. This will be scheduled to correspond with release - for public review and comment - of an environmental assessment specific to the New Castle project. Release of the environmental assessment for the Odiorne project will occur separately. In addition, prior to construction on either site, public hearings will be held before the respective local planning boards, at which UNH will present final site and building plans and receive public comment.