State agriculture initiative a multimillion-dollar boon for college

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The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine was awarded $18 million by the state for a new teaching and research facility. The grant, part of a historic agriculture capital investment by the state, requires the veterinary school to raise an equal amount within five years.

The $43 million Teaching and Research Facility will provide modern teaching, learning, and research spaces, replacing the antiquated facilities currently in use.

"Recognized as one of the finest veterinary schools in the world, our commitment will allow Penn to build a state-of-the-art teaching and research complex to better serve the state's agricultural needs," said Governor Tom Ridge at an Aug 9 ceremony promoting the agriculture initiative.

Areas of investigation in the new facility will be infectious diseases, animal transgenesis and germ cell research, comparative medical genetics, and comparative oncology.

"Governor Ridge recognizes the important role Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine and its graduates play in maintaining the health, welfare, and success of the commonwealth's livestock, poultry, and equine industries," Dean Alan Kelly said.

The grant to the school is part of a $90 million commitment to Pennsylvania agriculture.