Gov. Holden supports new life sciences, tech projects in state

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden Sept. 18 announced the release of $1.7 million in planning money for a new Health Sciences Building at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and pledged support for state assistance to develop a Kansas City Center for Technology.

Holden, speaking at a meeting with participants in the Kansas City Life Sciences Partnership, said both projects are essential to continuing the progress that has occurred in Kansas City in tapping the vast potential of the life sciences.

"To reach our full potential in the life sciences, we must have an emphasis on both research and application," said Holden. "The project at UMKC will increase our research capabilities and help make our university system a major player in the life sciences. The new technology center would serve as an innovation center to turn our research into jobs and economic prosperity. It will provide badly needed wet lab space and a business environment to link the results of our world class research to marketable products."

Holden said he is recommending to the Missouri Develop-ment Finance Board and the Department of Economic Development that they work with partners in Kansas City to identify appropriate state resources to help this project.

"All of us agree this center is essential to Kansas City reaching its potential in the life sciences. That is why I am challenging the members of this partnership to come together and find a way to make this project happen," said Holden. "The sooner the better."

The $1.7 million from the state's capital improvements budget will allow an architect to be hired so the $30 million project can move forward at UMKC. Several large private donations already have been received for the building.

Holden praised the strong partnership of business, civic and academic leaders in Kansas City who recognize the "tremendous promise the life sciences hold for the future of our state."

Holden also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in today's challenging economic times.

"To make the most of what we have demands that we work as partners. Together we can not only make Missouri competitive, but make this state emerge as a leader in the New Economy to create the good jobs and provide the economic prosperity Missouri families deserve."

Missouri already has two top research institutions in life sciences: the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City and the Danforth Plant and Life Sciences Center in St. Louis.

The proposed Center for Technology in Kansas City would complement the work being done at the Nidus Center and the Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis. In addition, a new life sciences building is under construction at the University of Missouri-Columbia.