SMAST Expansion Begins With Demolition of Naval Reserve Center

The former Naval Reserve Center building at Fort Rodman in the South End will soon be no more.

The 1970's-style structure is being demolished this week to make way for a new, $55 million expansion of the UMass Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology.

University spokesman John Hoey says the new building is about a year and a half away. "What you are going to see there is a significant marine science campus built right there in the South End of New Bedford, and its going to be cosmetically attractive, but also its going to put jobs in that neighborhood."

Hoey says the project was made possible thanks to $30 million in funding approved by state lawmakers including the local delegation, and cooperation from the City of New Bedford.

Also located in the new building will be an office of the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries.