Ball State dedicates geothermal project

00;00;00;00 - 00;00;07;19 Jo Ann Gora Beginning today, we can cut in half the amount of coal we burn and save more than $ 1 million and more. 00;00;07;21 - 00;00;24;07 Sarah Phinney The actual goal for the geothermal project is a savings of $ 2 million annually. But the dedication Tuesday marked the end of its first phase. When the system is fully operational, it will heat and cool 47 buildings on Ball State's campus. 00;00;24;10 - 00;00;50;11 Sarah Phinney The project has been touted as the first and largest of its kind. It's received national media attention from The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, and NPR. The ceremony didn't involve a traditional ribbon cutting, but instead a video was shown of some of the construction that began in 2009. Video messages of support were shown from public figures, including Indiana Senator Richard Lugar. 00;00;50;17 - 00;01;06;02 Richard Lugar I know this project will continue to educate the rest of the world about the benefits of the for eternity and to the future, but I firmly believe we must take every step toward the energy independence to increase our national security. 00;01;06;04 - 00;01;13;04 Sarah Phinney Ball State says it hopes the project will be replicated across the country. In Muncie, Sarah Phinney, IPR news.