This report, prepared in response to a requirement in the Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act, proposes a plan for the modernization of general research facilities in which academic research is conducted, including research buildings, research laboratories, support rooms, and other institutional or departmental facilities in scientific and engineering disciplines. Federal research facility support programs of the 1960s and early 1970s are described as instrumental in helping to build and strengthen the academic research facility base, while the 1980s have seen few such programs. Recent studies indicate that U.S. academic research facilities have deteriorated and there is a growing need for additional research space. The roles of various key groups in supporting and investing in academic research facilities are spelled out; for example, institutions should consider greater use of debt financing, and state and local governments should encourage partnerships and consortia. A combination of funding support mechanisms should be established to provide the balanced and sustained support necessary to develop modern research facilities. The Academic Research Facilities Modernization Act calls for a competitive grant program for the repair, renovation, and, in exceptional cases, replacement of academic research facilities. Special features of the program are described. The appendix provides program guidelines (a revision of a draft published in the Federal Register April 20, 1989) that describe a two-phase annual proposal cycle for organizations seeking grants for the repair, renovation, or replacement of a research facility or facilities. A 37-item bibliography concludes the plan. (JDD)