68 



of the research institutions reported that their agricultural space required 

 repair/renovation. Furthermore, the 100 largest research-performing institutions 

 expressed the greatest need for more research space (40% said that their space 

 was inadequate). A large number of these 100 institutions are agriculture- 

 related land-grant universities and other institutions with programs in agriculture 

 and natural resources. 

 Current CSRS Program 



Since 1986 CSRS has administered a facilities grants program from funds 

 appropriated for "Buildings and Facilities". The purpose of this program is to 

 assist in the construction or renovation of specified facilities at colleges, 

 universities, and other institutions, as identified by the reports of the 

 Appropriations Committees in the annual appropriations process. Shortly after 

 publication of the Conference Report for the Agriculture Appropriations bill, 

 CSRS contacts each institution for which a new facility project has been 

 earmarked and requests that it submit baseline information about the project. 

 After reviewing this information, CSRS appoints a team of scientists and 

 administrators to conduct an on-site merit evaluation of the project. 



At the conclusion of the evaluation, the team develops a report that sets 

 forth its findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The purpose of this 



