In Weber State University’s Science Lab Building, the fume hoods don’t suck air (a bad thing), and no one bothered to install a sprinkler system (even worse). Chemistry students have nowhere to study except in the halls, where officials recently removed the chairs because of fire-safety concerns. If these problems weren’t bad enough, the chemistry labs are on the fifth floor. Because of fire codes, a chemistry department cannot be above the third floor.Relief could be on the way. Weber’s $63 million request to replace the 1969 science building is on the bubble as lawmakers firm up the state budget this week. But this building is just the tip of a billion-dollar iceberg waiting for taxpayers in coming years as dozens of college buildings continue to deteriorate. Salt Lake Tribune
