By Robert Frederick, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – State and federal officials will help break ground Friday at the University of Missouri - Columbia for a new science research park called 'Discovery Ridge.' The park represents a rare occurrance in U.S. politics - long-term planning.
The park will focus on technology transfer from the University of Missouri, with a focus on biotechnology.
Greg Steinhoff, head of Missouri's Department of Economic Development, says instead of just using taxpayer dollars to attract biotech businesses to come to Missouri, spend the money on Discovery Ridge to help grow the businesses here.
"The Governor realizes that he may not see the benefit of this during his administration or the next several administrations, but it's a much better long-term strategy," says Steinhoff.
The first tenent, Columbia's ABC Labs, already has signed a lease. But Phase 1 of the building project, which includes the roads, won't be ready until 2008.