Chap. 72.—An ACT to transfer certain fund at Virginia polytechnic insti-
tute, [H B 561]
Approved September 9, 1919.

Whereas, the heating plant at the Virginia polytechnic insti-
tute has for a number of years needed renewal, a fact to which
the attention of the general assembly has been several times
called; and .

Whereas, the federal officer in charge at the institution last
fall, after inspection, directed that, in order to guard against a
breakdown and to insure proper service during the ensuing win-
ter, immediate steps be taken to make the necessary improve-
ments; and

Whereas, it became necessary, in compliance with this order,
to purchase and install new boilers, build a brick stack and other-
wise remodel and renew the plant, at a total cost of about thirty
thousand ($30,000) dollars; and

ereas, when adjustment of the war relations of the gov-
ernment with the institution was had later with the federal au-
thorities it was asserted by them that the officer ordering the
improvement was lacking in proper authority, and that, further-
more, the improvements, which were not completed until after
the armistice, would be of no service to the government, but
were very badly needed and would be of permanent benefit and
value to the institution; and

Whereas, this decision placed a very heavy charge upon the
resources of the institution; and

Whereas, several years ago the general assembly appropri-
ated the sum of twenty-five thousand ($25,000) dollars to com-
mence the construction of an academic building at the Virginia
polytechnic institute; and

Whereas, the board of visitors used a portion of this appro-
priation in certain necessary preliminary work, but considered
unwise, under the uncertain conditions rapidly developing, to
expend the major portion of the appropriation upon the com-
mencement of a building then estimated to cost not less than
seventy-five thousand ($75,000) dollars to complete; twenty-one
thousand, three hundred and seventy-five ($21,375) dollars is
held in bank at interest until conditions become more settled;
later developments justify this course, as the proposed build-
ing, if erected since this initial appropriation was made, would
have cost not less than one hundred and twenty-five thousand
($125,000) dollars to complete; and

Whereas, the amount now in hand, if made available by ex-
press legislative action, would relieve the situation and put the
finances of the institution in fine shape; and

Whereas, this does not involve any additional appropriation ;
therefore, ,
1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
the board of visitors of the Virginia polytechnic institute be, and
they are hereby, authorized to use the unexpended portion now
in their hands of the funds appropriated to begin the construc-
tion of an academic building for the purpose of defraying in part
the expense incurred, in pursuance of directions emanating from
the federal officer then in charge, in making needed improve-
ments in the heating plant at the institution.

An emergency existing, this act shall be in force from its
passage. :