USDA funding research, lab facility care

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The Department of Agriculture will provide $176 million in funding for repairs, upgrades, and maintenance at 36 laboratories and research facilities, according to a June announcement.

The money, which has been allocated through the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act, is intended for use in improving safety and health aspects of laboratories and research facilities, improving energy efficiency at those facilities, and reducing operating and maintenance costs.

"All of the projects selected are at locations conducting research of the highest priority," a USDA announcement states.

The National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, for example, will receive about $10.5 million for deferred maintenance and infrastructure needs, including repairs and replacement of deteriorated and obsolete mechanical and electrical devices. Other funding that will be provided includes the following:

  • $40.1 million to the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill.
  • $20.1 million to the Eastern Regional Research Center in Wyndmoor, Pa.
  • $10 million to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Md.
  • $7.4 million to the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville, Md.
  • $4 million to the Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Mont.
  • $2.3 million to the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Ga.
  • $1.8 million to the Poultry Research Unit and Crop Science Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University
  • $1.3 million to the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb.
  • $1.3 million to the Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center in College Station, Texas
  • $1.17 million to the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, N.D.