News Releases for March 2006
March 8, 2006
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Hoeven: Budget Section Passes Second Round Of Centers Of Excellence Projects
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today commended members of the Legislative Budget Section on approving six new projects in the second round of Centers of Excellence awards. The grants, totaling nearly $10 million, will be met with up to $37 million in matching funds, and have the potential to create thousands of new jobs in North Dakota.
"The projects that we are seeing come through the Centers of Excellence program are truly impressive," Hoeven said. "These new Centers will have a lasting impact on each of the campuses, the communities and our entire state."
The Centers of Excellence projects selected for approval are:
- North Dakota State University - Agbiotechnology: Oilseed Development - The Agbiotechnology Center
will make available conventional and/or deregulated biotechnology lines of soybeans and canola with unique oilseed
traits that have potential as biofuels, specialty lubricants and health care products. The Center will develop and
evaluate these lines for their use in biodiesel and special oils, conduct marketing, and new product strategies. Lines
with commercial value will be released through suitable channels.
Amount Approved: $2,000,000
Amount of Match: $10,750,000
Private Sector Partners: Monsanto, Archers Daniel Midland, and Dakota Skies Biodiesel
Job Creation Projection: potential for 2,472
- North Dakota State University - Surface Protection -The NDSU Center for Surface Protection will
perform market-driven research and development of surface protecting coatings that will enhance the durability of
manufactured products and address industrial problems for companies located in North Dakota and elsewhere.
Amount Approved: $2,000,000
Amount of Match: $4,000,000
Private Sector Partners: Gremada Industries, Tecton, Gamry, Akzo Nobel, and Marvin Windows & Doors.
Job Creation Projection: approximately 40-45
- University of North Dakota Research Foundation - Life Sciences and Advanced Technologies - The
Center of Excellence in Life Sciences and Advanced Technologies (COELSAT) will create new jobs through the
commercialization of research innovations into high-value products that are developed and made in North Dakota.
COELSAT, a 60,000 sq ft state-of-the-art secured facility, will reside on the 80 acre Research Enterprise and
Commercialization Park (REAC) and will have 38,000 sq ft of laboratories and 22,000 sq ft of office space. At the end
of 5 years, COELSAT/REAC will bring in over $50 million in combined funding and revenue with 80 percent of the jobs
employed in new markets that will diversify and strengthen North Dakota's economy.
Amount Approved: $3,500,000
Amount of Match: $10,000,000+
Private Sector Partners: Alion, Avianax, Agragen, BORDERS, Ideal Aerosmtih, Intraglobal Biologics, MC Strategies, Prologic, Cangene, Cirrus, SEI, ImClone
Job Creation Projection: 100-150
- University of North Dakota - UAV and Simulation Applications - The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Center of Excellence will provide the conduit for private industry to bring new UAV and related business ventures to
North Dakota. The UAV Center of Excellence will provide 1) human factors flight performance research on UAVs and
simulation applications; 2) research and development of UAV payload sensors and ground-based cockpits; 3) education and
training development for the integration of UAVs into the civilian aviation industry;
Amount Approved: $1,000,000
Amount of Match: $4,200,000
Private Sector Partners: Lockheed Martin, Alion Science and Technology, Frasca International, and Cirrus Aircraft
Job Creation Projection: 15 private sector jobs & 10 public sector
- Valley City State University - Institute for Customized Business Solutions - The Institute for
Customized Business Solutions (ICBS) is a public-private partnership that will co-develop new enterprise applications
consulting jobs in North Dakota. The Enterprise Application Model (EAM) is a unique approach to high-end information
technology services, jointly developed by a private company and VCSU. The ICBS will use the EAM to attract, grow, and
create information technology businesses to meet spiraling national demand for high quality and reasonable cost in
enterprise IT services.
Amount Approved: $1,000,000
Amount of Match: $4,919,046
Private Sector Partners: Eagle Creek Software Services, Eide Bailly Technology Consulting, GEM Car, MeritCare
Job Creation: 40 by June 2007, 80 by 2008, and 200 by 2010
- Williston State College - Petroleum Safety and Technology Center - The Center will co-develop and
apply new oilfield technologies to meet the critical workforce and technological needs of the Oil and Gas industry in
the Williston Basin. A new training site will offer hands-on experience with an actual rig and Williston State
College's Workforce Training Division will advance methods and educate individuals on the latest technology needed
in the oilfield industry. The Petroleum Safety and Technology Center will enhance the region's quality of life by
focusing on new technologies to create higher paying, skilled jobs.
Amount Approved: $400,000
Amount of Match: $1,343,468
Private Sector Partners: Amerada Hess, Halliburton Energy Services, Sanjel, S & S Chemical, Baker Oil Tools, Nabors Well Service, Penkota Wireline Services, Sun Well Service, Schlumberger, Nabors Drilling, Natco, Encore, Tioga Gas Plant, Basint Tubin' Testin', Bear Paw Energy, Double EE, Enbridge Pipelines, Key Energy, Red River Supply, and SK & S Oilfield Services.
Job Creation Projection: "400 jobs per year / 1,600 jobs by 2010"
Centers of Excellence link the University System with private sector companies creating quality jobs and careers in North Dakota. The Governor's initiative provides up to $50 million for Centers of Excellence. The dollars will be leveraged with private and federal matching funds to generate a total investment in new jobs and businesses of more than $150 million.
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