UNR Fire Science Academy Object of Cuts RENO, NV (KUNR) - The state's university regents, trying

to cope with budget woes, will consider a proposal at their August

meeting in Reno to shut down a debt-laden firefighting academy in

eastern Nevada.

An alternative to closing the Fire Science Academy near Carlin,

also up for discussion by regents at their Aug. 7-8 meeting, would

be to partner with industries that are major clients of the school

to get adequate funding.

The plans will be detailed by University of Nevada, Reno

president Milton Glick, who got a report on the academy's grim

status from a special panel chaired by former Gov. Kenny Guinn.

That panel is recommending a shutdown of the school.

The report notes that the fire academy has a long-term capital

debt of $27.1 million, which is being paid off through student

fees; and also faces operating and construction repair deficits

totaling $12 million. Costs of closing the school after this season

could run another $3.5 million.
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