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WYDEN, SMITH WIN $2.7 MILLION
FOR NANOTECH RESEARCH, NORTH MACADAM DEVELOPMENT IN FY2005 FUNDING
BILL
Legislation will boost biotech boom and
South Waterfront redevelopment in Portland
November 22, 2004
Washington, DC – U.S.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced
$2.7 million in appropriations for nanotechnology- and biotechnology-related
funding for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and
for affordable housing in the North Macadam area being developed
as a hub for biotechnology in Oregon. The $2.25 million in funding
for OHSU research, development, and facilities, as well as $450,000
in housing funds, are contained in the FY2005 omnibus spending
bill approved by Congress this weekend. The legislation is expected
to move shortly to the White House for signature into law.
“Nanotechnology and biotechnology
are going to drive real job growth and economic expansion in Oregon,
and these funds will help OHSU continue to lead the way,”
said Wyden. “Staying at the forefront of research, as well
as creating a home for these efforts in the North Macadam area,
are important steps in ensuring Oregon’s leadership role
in the future of these booming fields.”
“These funds will help
OHSU continue to open new doors in these important technology
fields,” said Smith. “The progress OHSU makes in nanotechnology
and biotechnology will also advance Oregon's economy and reputation
as a leader in cutting-edge technology.”
OHSU’s Defense and Security
Research Center will receive $2 million for facilities and research
development, specifically for new sensing systems, nanosensors
and nanobiology research in the Biomedical Engineering program.
OHSU will receive an additional $250,000 for its nanotechnology
research program and nanotechnology small business applications.
The funds for affordable housing in the North Macadam Central
District support a long-range plan to revitalize the waterfront
area as a center for biotechnology research and development.
“Senators Wyden and Smith
and the entire Oregon delegation have shown extraordinary leadership
and support in the state's effort to capture Oregon's fair share
of the nation's burgeoning bioscience industry,” said Peter
Kohler, M.D., OHSU president. “This support builds on previous
years’ efforts and is crucial in laying the groundwork for
research that leads to the development of intellectual property,
new companies and new investment in Oregon. Support for affordable
housing in the South Waterfront leverages investments being made
by public and private investors to create a vibrant neighborhood
that is accessible to Oregonians.”
In FY2004 the Senators secured
$1.6 million for affordable housing, a waterfront greenway, and
streetcar service to the North Macadam area, as well as winning
passage of the $3.7 billion 21st Century Nanotechnology Research
and Development Act to invest in America’s nanotechnology
research efforts.
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