House Bill Contains $40 Million in FRIB Funding

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, today announced that the House Energy & Water Appropriations bill contains $40 million in funding for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University.

"MSU has long worked to make FRIB a centerpiece of America's research profile and a critical part of Michigan's economic future," Rogers said. "Ensuring that it receives a proper amount of federal funding will continue to help Michigan stand out for possessing one of the top-rated nuclear physics programs in the country."

The House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee today released its 2013 funding bill. The President's budget had requested only $22 million for the project, far below the agreed upon funding level between the Department of Energy and MSU.

The project is expected to bring an estimated $1 billion in nuclear science research to mid-Michigan within its first 10 years and an estimated 400 permanent positions for scientists, engineers and other facility staff as well as 5,000 construction jobs.

"The entire MSU community has rallied around FRIB and the huge jobs and economic impact it will have in mid-Michigan," Rogers said. "I am pleased to be able to announce that this important federal funding level will keep the project moving forward on time and on track."

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin this year and finish in 2020 with a goal for completing it early in 2018. The funding secured by Rogers will help to ensure that the project moves forward as planned.

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