Penn State continues to plan for installation of sprinkler systems in all of its on-campus living facilities in anticipation of a State Senate bill to be re-introduced this month that requires all schools in Pennsylvania to install sprinklers by 2005 .

The only factors that might delay Penn State are a shortage of skilled labor and questions about the logistics of the installation, said Thomas Gibson, assistant vice president of Auxiliary and Business Services at Penn State.

The bill will be reintroduced in the new session Jan 23, said Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Center), one of the bill's cosponsors.

"We hope that Gov. Tom Ridge will advocate to the members of the general assembly for its passage," he said.

The university is not waiting for Harrisburg to decide.

"Penn State is going ahead with installing the sprinklers whether the bill is passed or not," said Sandy Harpster, assistant director of the Office of Housing and Food Service Operations.

The first sprinklers are expected to be installed this summer in Hamilton Hall.

"It is an interesting building to do with its twists and turns," Harpster said.

Upgrades in smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are also being made, she added.

The Office of Physical Plant is currently making plans and reviewing options in logistics and engineering.

Although the legislation would require the sprinklers to be completely installed within five years, there is a possibility Penn State could be given an extension.

"We don't know what the legislation will do," Gibson said.

Optimally, Penn State would prefer to complete the work during summers over a ten-year period, Gibson said.

Paul Ruskin, OPP spokesperson, said the university is planning on moving ahead with the installation according to the timetable mandated by the legislation.

But this won't come without a price.

"It will take meticulous planning to install a sprinkler system and still keep things functioning regularly," Ruskin said. "There is no simple way to work while the students are here."

The majority of the sprinkler work slated for this summer will be done at Commonwealth Campuses, where water supply and distribution is purchased from outside sources, Ruskin said. He said the system is easier to install in locations with external water supplies.

In contrast, University Park requires more time to examine what impact the sprinkler system would have on its own water system, infrastructure and distribution, he said.

Gibson said he did not know if the work could be completed by only working during the summers in a five-year period.

"We can not entirely finish the job over the summer," he said. "There is not enough labor or plumbers to get the job done."