By
Irene Hsiao
Arizona Daily Wildcat
UA College of Public Health to join CDC in fighting border health problems
The proposal to build a 23-mile power line that would replace generators that power the three telescopes at University of Arizona's Mount Graham Observatory was approved by the Arizona Board of Regents Friday.
Regent Judy Gignac said the board unanimously approved of the conceptual and project aspects.
"They both got approvals, now they can go forth and construct," she said.
Gignac said installing the power line is more cost efficient than the current operation.
"The power cost right now, trucking the diesel up there is a lot more expensive than when they get the line in," she said.
The line will be paid off in 25 years.
Dr. Robin Silver, conservation chair for the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, who is against the Mount Graham proposal, didn't go to the meeting because he said it was a waste of time.
"What's disappointing is there is no fiscal or moral control on the board of regents," he said.
Silver said if the regents want to try to help build the lines, his organization will file a lawsuit against the board.
The UA College of Public Health entered a contract with the Center for Disease Control to improve health near the Mexican border.
Gignac added the board also authorized George Davis to the new senior UA vice president for academic affairs and provost.
She also said the UA College of Medicine's Statement of Institutional Commitment for accreditation was approved.
The all-day Friday meeting was at Arizona State University East Campus in Mesa.
