SEASIDE >> The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment of a new science and engineering building on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.

CSUMB held a project launch for the Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building last August, showcasing plans for a new 16,000-square-foot building that will be built on what is currently a campus parking lot. The building will contain workspaces, laboratories and host the university’s marine science and new mechatronics engineering programs. NOAA will also have an office within the building.

“With this investment … our university will become a leader in ag technologies, which are pivotal for improving efficiency, sustainability and the economic capabilities of our local agricultural industries,” said Andrew Lawson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “…This new space, which also provides offices for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, will deepen our collaboration with the marine science ecosystems throughout our community.”

The draft assessment examines the potential environmental impacts of the development of the building. Public comment is a standard part of the procedure for an environmental impact report or assessment and is required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The public comment period is already open and closes on July 25. NOAA is seeking feedback from local agencies, tribes and the public.

Comments can be made by emailing mbnms.comments@noaa.gov with “Taylor Science building” in the subject line. Comments can also be mailed to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary located at 99 Pacific Street, 455A.

Moving its Monterey office to within the building will help NOAA “fulfill its mission to enhance public awareness and support scientific research,” according to a news release from the Administration.

The building is currently in the design phase, and construction is on target to begin by the end of the year and be ready for use in fall 2027, according to Julie Wyrick, CSUMB’s associate vice president for Facilities Management. The building will sit between the Chapman Science Academic Center and the Science Research Lab Annex.

The plans for the building began around seven years ago under former CSUMB President Eduardo Ochoa. Vanya Quiñones, the current president, worked to finalize the building. Funding has been provided by the Taylor family, NOAA, the Packard Foundation and the Berkshire Foundation. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel) also helped secure funding.

The university and NOAA have worked together over the years to provide various opportunities for research, including a $2 million program to fund internships for CSUMB and local college students.

“The new building provides essential learning and research space for faculty, staff and students in our marine science and mechatronics engineering programs, which prepare graduates for careers in two key disciplines that are vital to our region,” said Lawson.

Merging the Monterey NOAA office with CSUMB will “encourage a diverse future workforce for NOAA and NOAA-mission-related enterprises by collaborating with CSUMB, a university that is student- and society-centered and of sufficient breadth and depth to meet statewide and regional needs,” according to the draft assessment.