The new Life Sciences Building at West Virginia University will not be completed until May 2002 because of a delay in steel delivery, WVU officials said.

Dick Corp., the Pittsburgh-based construction manager for the project, withdrew its contract offer to Wilhelm&Kruse of Pittsburgh because the steel supplier could not produce a performance bond guaranteeing completion of work, said Scott Kelley, vice president of administration and finance.

“The construction manager has re-advertised the steel package and will likely award a new contract soon,”Kelley said.”As a result, steel erection will not start until Jan. 15.”

The $43 million facility, which will house the biology and psychology departments, was previously scheduled for completion in October 2001.

Kelley said that although the delay is regrettable, there are some benefits to postponing the project. First, more contractors will likely submit proposals on remaining work because the project will not be on such a tight schedule, resulting in more competitive bids. Second, finishing in May will give faculty and staff the entire summer to move into the building.

“This setback was unforeseen but will not affect the design of the building,”Kelley said.”We appreciate the patience of faculty and staff in the biology and psychology departments as we work to clear this hurdle.”