LEAD - The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority says conversion of the former Homestake gold mine at Lead will be done with an effort to preserve the historic integrity of the buildings.

The National Science Foundation earlier this year selected the closed mine as the site for a national underground physics lab that, if funded, would extend to a proposed 7,400 feet underground, roughly 600 feet deeper than a Canadian lab that is now the world's deepest.

The Authority has passed a resolution that recognizes "local pride, increased local participation in preserving our irreplaceable cultural and national heritage assets and support for the economic vitality of Lead and the neighboring communities."

The resolution acknowledges the availabity of historic preservation grants to help with renovation.

The resolution also says the Authority desires to maintain and preserve the historic buildings and grounds "to the extent that it is feasible and prudent and reasonably consistent with the construction and operation of the laboratory and the science center."

"I was very pleased that the Authority is following up on their promise to preserve as much historic integrity of the lab site as possible," said Tom Nelson, Lead's mayor.

There's no timeline for advertising for bids for building renovation, members of the Authority said.