FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153

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Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center dedicated

HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd visited Marshall University Friday, Aug. 25 to help dedicate the $48 million Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center.

Gov. Joe Manchin joined in the dedication along with Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp and other distinguished guests.

The 144,000 square-foot building is the largest capital improvement project in Marshall history. It features state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, high-tech classrooms, a large imaging facility with an array of powerful microscopes, mass spectrometer and chromatography suites and several other specialty units. Construction of the facility by Mascaro Construction of Pittsburgh began in March 2004 and concluded this summer.

Marshall received strong financial support for the project from Sen. Byrd, who secured federal funding of $35.6 million, or about 90 percent of the original $40 million price tag. Other funding came from a West Virginia economic development grant and private sources.

“Education remains West Virginia’s passport to progress,” Byrd said. “The new biotechnology center will provide Marshall students and faculty with a hands-on, futuristic learning environment with cutting-edge technology and equipment.  The building also will be an economic engine, fostering research and discoveries that will boost job creation in the state.  I am pleased to have partnered with Marshall on this exciting endeavor.”

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