Workers will begin removing dangerous asbestos in October, which temporarily displaced the University Health Services that moved during the summer.

Gov. James Thompson signed an appropriation Aug. 30 for the $3.8 million project. NIU must now wait for the Illinois Capital Development Board to finalize contracting bids, which NIU President John La Tourette anticipates will happen in a few weeks.

Asbestos levels in the health center were monitored regularly by Parkland Laboratories of Springfield. The inspectors determined the asbestos levels were not serious, but rapid decay was causing concern among NIU officials.

Because the levels “were becoming more critical, it seemed prudent, given the deterioration to close the center before there was danger to people’s health,” said La Tourette.

Health service departments and employees were relocated to the second floor of the Holmes Student Center and other places around campus during the summer. All regular services are still available for NIU students.

Because the project was a high priority, NIU presented it to the board and the governor’s office, where they received top billing, La Tourette said.

Patricia Perkins, assistant to Eddie Williams, vice president for Finance and Planning, said she was pleased with cooperation received on the project.

“We’re very appreciative of our friends in Springfield. Without the legislatures and governors help, we could not assure top health services for students,” Perkins said.

In addition to removing the asbestos, workers will update the health center with new heating and air conditioning and will make the building more handicapped accessible, La Tourette said.

The CDB must officially approve the project later this month. They have just been waiting to “clear the proper channels,” La Tourette said.

The asbestos abatement is expected to be finished by late April and the renovations should be finished by this time next year, he said.