[Comm-Council] FW: NEWS RELEASE: Governor kicks off construction of new science facility at UO

[KENNEDY Robert * DAS DO]

_____________________________________________
From: SHERWOOD Jodi L * Governor's Office 
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 11:24 AM
To: EXEC Net List
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Governor kicks off construction of new science
facility at UO

 
 
Ted Kulongoski
Governor	           <<Picture (Metafile)>> 	
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2006

Contact:
Lonn Hoklin (503.378.6169 or 503.559.1034)

Governor kicks off construction of new science facility at UO
'Integrative Science Building' will house critical research effort

Eugene, OR-In a Thursday ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking for
the University of Oregon's new Integrative Science Building, Governor
Ted Kulongoski pledged to seek an upgrade of Oregon's already strong
efforts in nanotechnology-the development and use of devices that are
only a few nanometers in size, smaller than many molecules.  

"Nanotechnology is not a 'pie in the sky' vision that only academics can
get excited about," the Governor said.  "Nanotechnology is hope."

Nanotechnology will play a role in solving the energy crisis by
providing ways to create, store and transport renewable energy, he
explained.  The technology will also make materials stronger and more
versatile, and pave the way for creating amazing new fibers to keep
people warm or cool them off, to heal wounds, and protect users from the
elements.  

"Nanotechnology will help us bolster our economy and extend the hope of
prosperity to more people," the Governor said.  "We will create new jobs
for Oregonians-well-paying jobs in clean industries. We will position
Oregon to take advantage even greater opportunities in industries that
have not yet been born."  

The Integrative Science Building, a 15,000-square-foot facility, will be
the University's "signature research facility," the Governor said.  It
will serve the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute
(ONAMI) and provide the setting for world-class scientific research.

In 2003, the Governor led a team that mustered $20 million in capital
and another million in operating funds to start the ONAMI effort on
Oregon's research campuses.  Last year, he asked the legislature to
invest $7 million more to strengthen ONAMI's capacity, and the
legislature agreed. 

"I want to assure you today that I intend to ask the next session of the
legislature to work with me toward upgrading Oregon's investment in
ONAMI-for the simple reason that this investment will pay off handsomely
for all Oregonians," the Governor said.

Early this year, the federal government announced its intention to
invest $8 million more in Oregon's nanotechnology system to supply
important military needs.  

The Governor lauded the partnership between the state, the university
system and private industry in the pursuit of new technologies,
scientific breakthroughs, and new products for the world's markets.  

"By investing in Oregon universities, Oregon companies make a powerful
statement about our faculty and students," the Governor said. "But they
also make a wise investment."

-30-


  




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