LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming is moving ahead with plans to make improvements to its Geological Museum.

UW recently selected an architectural firm to design improvements to the 56-year-old facility dedicated to Wyoming's geologic history and mineral resources.

Work is slated to take place this summer in the first phase of renovation aimed at making the museum a focal point for student and faculty research.

The museum closed briefly in the summer of 2009 because of budget cuts. When it reopened in August 2009, it was with the help of private funds from the UW Foundation.

Since then, donations and state matching money have built up an endowment to operate the museum and help pay for improvements.

More From K2 Radio