NO FALSE ALARMS IN N.J. DORMS:

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. was able to complete fire sprinkler installations in its dormitories several months ahead of a state deadline by working year-round, campus officials said. New Jersey passed the country’s first mandatory dormitory sprinkler law four years ago, after a fire at Seton Hall University killed three freshman and injured 58 other people. Residential colleges and boarding schools were given four years to install sprinklers over nearly 60,000 beds. The installation projects must be completed by July 31. The 159-building project cost the state’s largest university $35 million to complete, most of which was funded with a no-interest loan from the state. Student room and board rates also were increased. University officials said the project not only finished early but also came in nearly $2 million under budget.

Topics New Jersey