New York governor announces funding for Bioscience centre

In New York, US, Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that the State will commit $3 million (€2.19 million) to the Eastman Business Park (EBP) Bioscience Manufacturing Centre in Rochester which will begin construction later this year.

The construction of the $25 million, 60,000 ft2 facility will improve equipment for converting non-food plant materials into biofuels and biochemical and is estimated to create hundreds of new jobs.

The project will consist of transportation infrastructure improvements and the production, fermentation tanks and storage equipment necessary to convert feedstock into C5 and C6 sugars.

These sugars can then be employed in the manufacture of a range of green chemicals, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels. Once operational, the centre will be capable of processing up to 30,000 tonnes of sugars annually.

The industrial facility will be owned and operated by EBP EcoTech Park Operating, a consortium of partner companies who will provide the majority of funding for the project.

Several companies, including three out-of-state businesses, have indicated interest in using the centre and intend either to expand or locate operations at Eastman Business Park as a result.

The partnership between New York State and the EBP Bioscience Manufacturing Centre builds upon the state's ongoing effort to pursue and improve access to renewable energy.