U-MASS. LOWELL NANOBIO PLAN SECURES STATE SENATE SUPPORT
By Erik Arvidson
The Sun (Lowell, Massachusetts)
Nov. 7, 2005 - A proposed $80 million nano-biology technology center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a step closer to reality after the state Senate approved a plan for the state to chip in $35 million toward the project.
The funding was tucked into a $473 million plan by the Senate to spur job growth and attract businesses to locate or expand in Massachusetts.
"It sets up UMass Lowell at the faucet of the nano-biotechnology manufacturing world and gives us a lead in attracting the new jobs that will be created when the faucet is turned off," said state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos, D-Lowell.
Panagiotakos said he is confident that the $35 million would be included in the final version of the economic stimulus bill.
The House in September approved a $290 million economic stimulus bill, and differences between the House and Senate versions would have to be reconciled by a conference committee of House and Senate lawmakers.
Gov. Mitt Romney has also approved of a nanotechnology center at the university's Lowell campus and proposed spending $21 million on the project in a separate bill.
The Senate measure includes $21 million in cash for the project, along with $14 million in state bonds. The bill gives the university permission to borrow an additional $35 million through the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority.
The remaining $10 million cost of the project would have to be paid for through a combination of private contributions and federal grants, Panagiotakos said.
"I know that the three Lowell representatives have been very supportive of this project, and (House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi) came up and viewed the project and was very supportive as well," Panagiotakos said.
The Senate's economic stimulus bill proposed a life-sciences initiative that also includes $50 million for a life-sciences development agency operated by the University of Massachusetts, along with $10 million for a bio-processing center at UMass Dartmouth.
Panagiotakos said he's pleased the bill includes funds for a statewide cultural facilities fund, which could be a source of funding for the Lowell Memorial Auditorium restoration.
(c) 2005 The Sun, Lowell, Mass.
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Our US patent issued to U of Mass:
United States Patent 6,521,736
Watterson , et al. February 18, 2003
Amphiphilic polymeric materials
Inventors: Watterson; Arthur C. (Nashua, NH); Danprasert; Kunya (Bangkapi, TH); Diwan; Anil (West Haven, CT)
Assignee: University of Massachusetts (Boston, MA)
patft.uspto.gov |
