Blunt to speak at JVIC grand opening

JVIC was named in honor of Blunt in December because the southwest Missouri Congressman helped the city acquire the former Missouri Farmers Association mill that now houses JVIC, and he helped secure millions of dollars in federal funding for the center’s programs, including MSU’s Center for Applied Science and Engineering and Center for Biological and Life Sciences. JVIC also houses several corporate research partners.

In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, MSU received more than $12 million from the Department of Defense for first-phase renovations of the main 12-story structure. Another $2.6 million of DOD money has been allocated in the 2007 budget for second-phase redevelopment of an adjoining three-story structure. Also in 2005 and 2006, Blunt helped earmark more than $14 million for defense-related research at CASE and helped allocate another $8 million in funding for those projects in fiscal 2007.

Officials broke ground on the $12.4 million first phase in November 2005.

“The grand opening is a time for the university to showcase a new state-of-the-art center that will be the home for a number of leading-edge research partnerships and aid in the revitalization of Springfield and southwest Missouri,” said MSU President Michael Nietzel in a news release.

Nietzel will join Blunt and other city and state officials in speaking at the grand opening. Refreshments and tours will follow the ceremony.

The center supports 46 full-time staff, graduate students, corporate research scientists and associate faculty.[[In-content Ad]]