Bill Promises Life Science Boost for Berkshire County
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| Gov. Deval Patrick signs the life science bill on Monday. |
Locally, the $1 billion bond measure authorizes $6.5 million for the design, construction and development of a 30,000-square-foot life science incubator building at the William Stanley Business Park in Pittsfield. The earmark was secured by state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, and Rep. Christopher N. Speranzo, D–Pittsfield.
The bill had included $49.5 million for the construction of a science center at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams. This was expected to spur the construction of the 28,000-square-foot facility and will allow MCLA to consolidate its science programs and build modern labs, classrooms and offices.
Although this was not included in the final version, Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, said he has had extensive conversations with the administration regarding funding for the building and is hopeful that it will be allocated in the higher education bond bill, which is currently before the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets.
"This bill outlines programs to develop the life sciences industry, an important economic driver with the state. These newly created work-force training programs, including the vocational tech 'requipment' grants, are designed to help many schools in our region such as McCann Technical School," said Bosley, chairman of the House Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, in a press release.
"This legislation will ensure that the commonwealth stays competitive with the rest of the world in this economic sector. Further, it will help researchers to develop new medications and cures to serious illnesses," said Downing, in a statement. "It makes perfect sense for the Legislature to craft this incentive package. We have all the components here in Massachusetts to support a strong life sciences industry: world-class universities, medical centers and a highly trained and educated work force."
In the press release, Michael Supranowicz, president and chief executive officer of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the Pittsfield science center would serve the community as a "work-force incubator as well as a catalyst for industry growth in Berkshire County." He added that "Studies project demand for workers trained in the emerging fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology and indicate that there is both current and future needs in the region's professional and technical sector."
A conference at MCLA on Friday morning stressed the need for highly skilled workers to fill demanding jobs in the sciences, engineering and health fields.
The bill's 10-year initiative includes $250 million in tax credits for life sciences companies that promise to create jobs in the state and $250 million for direct research grants to encourage the best and brightest in the industry to conduct research in Massachusetts. It also includes $500 million in capital investments for construction and improvement projects in the industry.
The legislation is a cornerstone of Gov. Deval Patrick's economic plan for the state. He is expected to sign the bill on Monday before heading to the 2008 BIO International Convention in San Diego.
Edited on Monday, June 16, 2008, to remove incorrect information about the MCLA science center.
