The newest building at the School of Public Health will close today and will remain closed at least for the remainder of the semester due to cutbacks in Federal public health funds.

The Sebastian S. Kresge building, which cost $12 million, has not yet been dedicated, although some classes have been held there in the past week.

James L. Whittenberger '51, associate dean of the Faculty of the Public Health School, said yesterday that the Nixon administration has cut about $1.4 million from the School's funds. He added that the School was faced with the choice of saving money on maintenance and operating costs by closing a building or cutting back on aid to students and various programs within the School.

President Bok said yesterday that the School's move is a "sound but unfortunate decision. Given the financial pinch that the School of Public Health is in, I think it was the best thing they could do."

Suitable Compensation

Howard H. Hiatt, dean of the Faculty of the Public Health School, said that the School hopes to open the building in the Fall, but that if it does not find suitable compensation for the cutbacks, it may be forced to keep the building closed, the Associated Press reported yesterday. Hiatt was unavailable for comment last night.

Whittenberger said that the School receives Federal aid in six categories. The government provides formula grants for specific research projects, general research support, training grants, general purpose and special trainee program aid, and tuition grants.

The largest single category of Federal aid affected by the cutbacks was training grants. Whittenberger said that the School lost approximately $500,000 in training grants.

William L. Claff, assistant dean of the School of Public Health for Financial Affairs, refused to comment yesterday on the School's decision.