URI to break ground on new science building

SOUGH KINSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - The University of Rhode Island is breaking ground on a new Center for Chemical and Forensic sciences.

Governor Chafee is among those scheduled to speak at Monday afternoon’s ceremony marking the start of construction on the $68 million building.

The school says the 135,000-square-foot building will triple the amount of teaching lab space and nearly double the amount of research lab space for chemistry and forensic studies.

The school says the center will strengthen URI’s position as a leader in the teaching of health and life sciences and will serve about 7,000 students. About 40 percent of the school’s degree programs require at least one chemistry class.