Although building plans for the University's research park are still on the drawing board, progress remains steady, on schedule and within budget range, officials say.

"The funds are available and the plans are progressing," said Charles L. Hosler, outgoing University vice president and provost. "We still hope to break ground by the end of the year."

"We're right on schedule and on budget," said Gary Schultz, University assistant vice president of business and operations.

Construction of the park's roadways and infrastructure is scheduled to begin this fall, with building construction slated to begin in the spring of 1992, Schultz said.

A conference center, hotel, research facility and technology center will be the first buildings installed in the $360 million research park, located at the Route 322 and Park Avenue intersection.

"Financing for University-related buildings will be done with University funds, while other buildings will be co-financed by the University and the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation," Schultz said.

The University is raising money for the building of the research park by selling tax-exempt bonds. Once completed, revenues for the park will be raised through the conference center and the hotel, Hosler said.

The research park management corporation, a subsidiary of the Corporation for Penn State, will present its plans to the University Board of Trustees at its next meeting in July.

The land development advisory committee, which was appointed by President Joab Thomas, will present preliminary building plans to the University on July 18 at the Nittany Lion Inn, Schultz said.

Businesses and interested people have already approached the University about renting space in the facility, Hosler said.

Centre Regional Planning Commission Director Bob Bini said community response to the research park has been good.

"There has been much participation and encouragement of public information and review (to the park)," Bini said.

The master plans for the park were approved at the beginning of the year, but more detailed plans will be approved later.

"The plans for the park are consistent with discussion and development," Bini said. "None of the aspects (on the park) look like hurdles."