According to Mike Honeycutt, executive director of the Montana Department of Livestock, the future Combined State Laboratories Building is a result of generations of work. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The upcoming multi-agency laboratory in Bozeman will house the Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab, and the MSU Wool Lab, as stated in a press release from the Montana Department of Agriculture.
Honeycutt highlighted the collective effort involved in making the building a reality, acknowledging both visible and behind-the-scenes contributors. He emphasized the significance of the project and the dedication required to bring it to fruition.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place on Friday, was organized by the Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Department of Agriculture, and Montana State University. Various representatives from these organizations, including John Helle of Duckworth Wool and Montana Lt. Gov. Kristin Juras, delivered speeches at the event.
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Kristin Juras mentioned that over a decade of dedication led up to this momentous occasion. She emphasized the importance of investing in Montana’s primary industry and commended everyone involved in the project for their perseverance.
Gene Curry, Chair of the Montana Board of Livestock, shared his personal connection to the current diagnostics lab and the need for a modernized facility to support the state’s livestock industry. He expressed his motivation to contribute to the realization of the new laboratory.
The state-of-the-art facilities, spanning approximately 62,000 square feet, were designed by LPW Architecture of Great Falls, with Swank Enterprises serving as the contractor. State funds allocated by the Montana Legislature and Governor’s office were instrumental in making the project possible.
Sreekala Bajwa, MSU vice president for agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Montana legislature for funding the lab in the 2021 and 2023 legislative sessions. This investment signifies a commitment to agriculture’s bright future and continued success.
