GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $600 MILLION IN STIMULUS GRANTS FOR NEW YORK RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $600 MILLION IN STIMULUS GRANTS FOR NEW YORK RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State universities, medical facilities, businesses and research institutions have been awarded 1,164 research grants worth more than $600 million through competitive stimulus funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The federal agencies providing these funds include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

(Media-Newswire.com) - Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State universities, medical facilities, businesses and research institutions have been awarded 1,164 research grants worth more than $600 million through competitive stimulus funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ( ARRA ). The federal agencies providing these funds include the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ), the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. The Governor was joined by State elected officials and educators at Columbia University Medical Center to make the announcement.

"The key to a growing economy is investing in innovation - by turning discoveries into business opportunities," Governor Paterson said. "The $605.5 million that institutions all around New York have won will help ensure that New York remains a leader in research as we continue to work with our universities to build bridges from research to application. I thank the Obama Administration and our New York Congressional Delegation for helping our State's colleges, universities and businesses obtain this critical funding."

Edward Reinfurt, Executive Director of the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation ( NYSTAR ), said: "These federal stimulus funds will enhance the research efforts around New York State to develop new technologies and products which will eventually create new jobs. Governor Paterson's establishment of the Innovation Economy Matching Grant Program increases the chance of a proposal being selected for federal funding."

New York's success in winning this large number of grants supports Governor Paterson's plan to make New York a leader in the New Economy - especially in the areas of energy, environmental protection, technology, life sciences and health care. The Governor created an Innovation Economy Matching Grants program to help New York institutions win even more research grants. Under this program, the State has pledged to provide a 10 percent match in State funds for 168 research applications worth $1.2 billion that have not yet been acted on by federal agencies, increasing their chances of gaining an award. This program will ensure new research centers are built in New York that will position the State for even more federal grants and private investment in the future.

The total stimulus research grants of $605.5 million, as of September 17, include: 818 NIH awards totaling more than $223 million, or 9.2 percent of the total, ranking New York third among the states; 324 awards from the National Science Foundation totaling almost $138 million, or 5.6 percent of the total, ranking New York fourth in the nation; and $243 million from the Department of Energy and $925,000 from the Department of Agriculture. The grants include:


$150 million to Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island from the Department of Energy to construct the National Synchrotron Light Source II, the brightest x-ray source ever built. Scientists and engineers from around the world will use this state-of-the-art facility for research that is expected to produce advances in fields ranging from medicine to energy;
$17.5 million for Cornell University's Center for Nanostructured Interfaces for Energy Generation, Conversion and Storage. The goal of the center is to discover and design materials that will dramatically enhance the performance of fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics and photo-electrochemical cells;
A $16 million grant for the Energy Frontier Research Center at Columbia University ( matched by 10 percent from the State and by another $250,000 from NYSERDA ) to use nanotechnology and supercomputing in pursuit of advances in solar energy, biofuels, transportation, energy efficiency, electricity storage and transmission, carbon capture and sequestration and nuclear energy;
Two grants totaling $6.1 million to Plug Power Inc. of Latham and one for $2.4 million to MTI MicroFuel Cells of Albany to advance their work on fuel cells;
$2 million to the State University at Buffalo's Center for Research in Cardiovascular Medicine to study the underlying causes of heart disease and stroke; the center is focused on development of new therapies to treat these diseases; and
$1.2 million to the University of Rochester to study behavioral issues related to the spread of HIV and research to design a new vaccine that would inhibit the transmission of the disease.

The stimulus funds awarded to each region of the State include:
Long Island: $214 million
New York City: $207 million
Southern Tier: $76 million
Capital Region: $34 million
Finger Lakes: $29 million
Western New York: $19 million
Central New York: $13 million
Hudson Valley: $8 million
North Country: $5 million

Institutions that received the largest amounts include:
Brookhaven Laboratory: $186 million
Cornell University: $69.7 million
Columbia University: $66.9 million
New York University & the New York University School of Medicine: $28.2 million
University of Rochester: $26.7 million
Mount Sinai School of Medicine: $28.7 million
State University at Stony Brook: $21 million
State University at Buffalo: $14 million
New York is one of the research capitals of the world. Ten universities located in New York State are among the top 100 universities for research and development expenditures according to the National Science Foundation. Collectively, New York's colleges and universities attracted approximately $1.4 billion in NIH grants in Fiscal Year 2008. Six of New York's higher education institutions rank among the nation's top 100 for Department of Energy sponsored research. Governor Paterson's efforts are aimed at keeping New York a leader in research and ensuring that research translates into business opportunities and jobs.
The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense." The National Institutes of Health, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research.

The following statements were provided in support of the stimulus funding:

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: "It is critical that we invest in cutting-edge research at New York's world class institutions. These federal investments will drive research that will save lives, develop new homegrown sources of clean energy, spark new businesses and help rebuild our economy. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government."

Congressman Gary Ackerman said: "These critical funds will go a long way towards assisting universities, medical facilities, businesses and research facilities. Investing in these types of resources builds our economy and allows these institutions to continue the good work they do for all New Yorkers."

Congressman Michael Arcuri said: "I am glad to see Recovery Bill funding being used for critical research and development in so many different fields. These research projects will have a positive impact on so many areas of New York State and mean real job growth. This is exactly the type of boost the Upstate economy needs and I look forward to continued Recovery Bill funding being used for valuable projects like these."

Congressman Timothy Bishop said: "These funds will create jobs on Long Island, strengthen the economy and spur the innovations we need to make America strong in the future. What's good for Brookhaven is good for Long Island and the nation. This recovery funding will put Long Islanders to work and allow the lab's highly skilled and dedicated scientists to continue their cutting edge energy research."

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said: "I commend the Obama Administration for investing stimulus funds into New York City that will enhance our research and innovation capabilities. These funds will go a long way in boosting Brooklyn's local economy by creating jobs. Brooklyn College and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in total have received over $2.1 million in stimulus grants. They have been leaders in research and innovation in our community for years and it gives me great pleasure to know that these new grants will help push Brooklyn to the forefront of innovation in our nation."

Congressman Eliot Engel said: "Innovation has been the key to America's leadership in fields from industry to medicine to research. These grants will help New York State maintain its leadership in using innovation to expand our economy to the ultimate benefit of all of us. Governor Paterson is to be commended for bringing in this grant money, and for establishing a program to bring in even more."

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: "Investing in promising and innovative projects is one of the most effective ways we can grow our economy and improve our future. I am pleased universities, medical facilities, businesses and research institutions in our State will receive federal assistance, and I am confident these investments will pay dividends in the future."

Congressman Eric Massa said: "Making meaningful investments in our community is the path to strengthening our local economy. The investments from the Stimulus reflect this mission and I am proud to have helped deliver these funds to Western New York and the Southern Tier. As our economy improves, I look forward to helping advance more projects in our region."

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: "I am pleased that New York State universities, medical facilities, businesses and research institutions have been awarded over $600 million in research grants, over $200 million of which will be going to Long Island. I am especially pleased that Hofstra University, which is located in my Congressional district, will receive over $500,000. This funding is another example of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work improving Long Island's leadership in developing new technologies, especially in the areas of science and health care and getting Americans back to work."

Congressman Paul Tonko said: "These Recovery Act grants are important because they provide the fuel that will power our future economy, creating jobs and solving some of our most critical issues. I appreciate the work done by Governor Paterson to ensure that these grants will help bring the best ideas from the laboratory to market."

Congressman Ed Towns said: "I am pleased these research funds will be invested in a diverse range of innovative projects in Brooklyn. Thanks to the National Science Foundation ( NSF ) and National Institutes of Health ( NIH ), our community will have the opportunity to participate in vital research projects with far-reaching benefits."

Senate President Malcolm Smith said: "Making New York a leader in the New Economy will regain the confidence of unemployed New Yorkers and decrease the student drop-out rate. I commend Governor Paterson for securing this funding and investing in our future."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: "The federal stimulus grants and State matching funds announced today recognize the top-tier research that is being conducted every day in our universities and research centers throughout the State. Direct investment in these institutions has the potential to stimulate economic growth in the emerging fields of nanotechnology, alternative energy and biomedicine. I thank Governor Paterson and the New York Congressional delegation for their hard work during this economic recession to make sure our State receives its share of stimulus funding."

Senator Jeff Klein said: "New York is home to stellar educational institutions that help our young people grow, succeed and achieve. As the Deputy Majority Leader and State Senator for District 34, I am especially proud Fordham University is among the grant recipients. This grant will go a long way in fostering further research and vital programs."

Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, said: "Through our institutes of higher learning throughout the State and with the potential we have especially in Upstate New York, this State is poised to be a national leader in innovative energy creation and usage. With these grants we are investing in the development of new technologies that will create jobs in a new economy that will help promote a sustainable and independent energy future. As these technologies grow, we must work to ensure the innovation creates jobs here in New York, especially Upstate where the natural and human resources have already started to establish new industries in these fields."

Senator Thomas K. Duane, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, said: "New York State has some of the finest academic and research institutions in this country and this influx of federal stimulus funds will help maintain our role as a center for innovation. I appreciate the Federal government's recognition of and investment in the institutions and individuals doing groundbreaking research across our great State."

Senator Eric Schneiderman said: "The stimulus dollars announced today will provide research facilities throughout New York much needed funding to lead the way in innovation, while also playing an important part in helping our State's local economies recover from this recession. This is a forward-looking strategy that is working and that will pave the way for a stronger economy in the months and years ahead."

Senator William Stachowski, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, said: "There is no doubt that New York's economy will rebound, and a large part of that recovery will be due to the creation of new jobs at research institutions and colleges such as the University of Buffalo. The stimulus funds being distributed will spin-off millions of dollars in our economy, and we will see the positive effects of these awards for years to come. Our Congressional Delegation is to be congratulated for delivering for their constituents."

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said: "Yesterday, President Obama spoke in Troy at Hudson Valley Community College-SUNY, about higher education, scientific research and clean energy, with the objective of strengthening our economy. New York ranks near the top in receiving stimulus research grants, which is a testament to the innovation and creativity fostered among New York's institutions of higher learning. I commend Governor Paterson for channeling stimulus funds into New York. The ingredients are there to enable New York to continue its preeminence in innovative research resulting in technological advances throughout the scientific community."

Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick said: "I am gratified that stimulus spending is coming to New York institutions and that both public and private colleges and universities are among the grantees. These institutions are committed to New York State and will be essential not only to New York's future, but to the future of our country."

Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, said: "The innovation grants will help build New York's distinction as a center of excellence in biomedical research. With the help of federal and State funds, New York can better compete with research centers in Boston, St. Paul and San Diego. Governor Paterson and the New York Congressional delegation deserve our thanks for their hard work in winning these funds."

Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry, said: "The grants announced today represent vital investments in a forward-looking innovation economy that will generate high-quality jobs for the future. And since I'm from Western New York, I'm particularly happy that the University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute will receive funding that will help grow our regional biotech sector."

Brookhaven National Laboratory Director Sam Aronson said: "Through the efforts of Secretary of Energy Chu, the New York State Congressional Delegation, and Governor Paterson, this funding allows us to significantly accelerate construction of our new light source -- providing hundreds of jobs for New Yorkers in the short term, and a crucial new tool for scientific discovery when complete. Overall, the stimulus funding package will help New York State expand its technology base and attract world-class researchers to its institutions."

Clarkson University President Tony Collins said: "Governor Paterson took the bold first step for New York State to lead economic recovery through innovation by leveraging Recovery Act research and development funding for higher education institutions. It is now up to all of us who comprise New York's private and public higher education assets to partner with New York's business community to translate this initiative into commercial enterprises that create wealth and jobs across the State."

Lee Goldman, Executive Vice President for Health and Biomedical Sciences and Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine at Columbia University, said: "Government support for biomedical research not only directly leads to the discovery of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures that improve people's health and quality of life but also generates new jobs in New York State. After so many years of basically flat NIH budgets, Columbia University Medical Center and other New York institutions recognized that ARRA would be a real boost for biomedical research. We have already received a number of notable research grant awards. This critical support enables our faculty to continue to push the envelope of exploration in science and medicine with the ultimate aim of improving lives and helps ensure that CUMC continues to lead and to innovate."

Dr. David Hirsh, Columbia University Executive Vice President for Research, said: "These grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act support basic and applied research programs at Columbia and our fellow New York State institutions that develop applications with the potential to improve the lives of people everywhere. These investments also stimulate the creation of new ideas, new products and new jobs that add value to our local and national economy."

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor said: "We are thrilled to see that both Governor Paterson and the Obama Administration recognize the importance of supporting science and innovation as part of the federal stimulus. We know that this type of creative, innovative work is critical to our nation's long-term economic recovery and competitiveness. We're proud that SU faculty researchers - in areas as diverse as public health, biomaterials, support for returning GIs, and high energy physics - are playing such a critical role."

Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D. said: "SUNY Stony Brook is excited about the research opportunities that have been made available through stimulus funding. Our faculty have been diligent in applying for federal research funding and Governor Paterson's timely matching grant program will make their applications even more competitive nationally. To date, Stony Brook faculty have won $19.6 million in competitive funding from the NIH, NSF, and DOE, accounting for a full 43 percent of the State University's impressive $46.6 million total. On behalf of our faculty, I can say we are very proud of that accomplishment."