News

Portland State University has received $1,987,000 in federal funding for its Northwest Center for Engineering, Science, and Technology building--money that is crucial to closing the fundraising gap on the engineering building and that meets matching requirements for bonds already authorized for the project.

The funds approved include $993,500 provided by the Small Business Administration to develop facilities that will support expansion of business opportunities and partnerships linked to faculty research; in addition, the Department of Education, through its Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, has directed $993,500 for use in the purchase and installation of data networking, security and telecommunications equipment, as well as furnishings and classroom equipment. Funds were authorized by Congress earlier this year as part of the omnibus appropriations bill FY 2004.

"This funding will help create a nationally recognized engineering school that will not only recruit talented engineering students from around the country, but will educate Oregonians to prepare them for the high-tech jobs of the future," said Rep. David Wu. "I am proud to have been part of this effort."

"Engineering and scientific innovation is central to Oregon's tech economy," said Sen. Gordon Smith. "A larger and better educated workforce is a big step towards attracting new employers to Oregon."

"We appreciate the continued support that Portland State University has received from the Oregon delegation" said PSU President Dan Bernstine. "Beginning construction of the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science, and Technology will create 300 jobs in the metro area and will assist PSU in meeting the demands of students, faculty and industry for additional research and teaching capacity in Portland."

The Northwest Center for Engineering, Science, and Technology will serve as the new home to PSU's College of Engineering and Computer Science, furthering the University's longstanding commitment to make quality engineering education accessible throughout the community. Plans for the new engineering facility include 130,000 square feet of laboratories, classrooms and faculty office space. Plans also include the creation of a regional center to house the growing number of collaborative programs involving PSU, Oregon Health & Science University and other institutions. For more information, contact David Santen in the Office of Marketing and Communications at 503-725-8789.

Sources:

Debbie Murdock (503-725-5040)
PSU Office of Government Relations

Release Number: 03-165