Arizona lawmaker says $4.7 million for park will strengthen the state’s economy
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today is welcoming $4.7 million in federal stimulus funds that will be used to develop the Arizona Bioscience Park.
“The Arizona Bioscience Park is a critical part of our state’s ongoing effort to lay the foundation for a strong, 21st century economy,” said Giffords, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. “These funds will help make Arizona a leader in biosciences and biotechnology.”
Today’s funding announcement for the Arizona Bioscience Park was made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke. The funds will be used to build infrastructure and support phase-one development at the facility.
“The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness,” Locke said. “The Arizona Bioscience Park will provide the Tucson region with a comprehensive training and research facility that will work to boost workforce training, research and development opportunities, higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs, and private sector investment in the bioscience sector.”
The Arizona Bioscience Park is located on 54 acres at the corner of 36th Street and Kino Parkway. Stimulus funding for the Arizona Bioscience Park will be distributed through the Economic Development Administration, an agency within the Commerce Department that promotes innovation and competitiveness.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed by Congress earlier this year and signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It provided immediate relief for American families and jump-started billions of dollars in projects to create jobs, improve infrastructure and strengthen local economies.