Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL)
Bioproducts laboratory should be an easy sell
Published: 12/1/02, Tri-City Herald
Here's an easy yes for lawmakers in a year when they will to be saying a lot of no's: The $750,000 request to complete design work on a new bioproducts and sciences laboratory at Washington State University Tri-Cities.
The state should grab this chance to partner with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and make inroads into one of the new frontiers of science.
The request is a relatively measly sum, representing less than 1 percent of WSU's usual budget for building projects and other capital expenses. The national laboratory already has paid for the predesign work and is committing to splitting the cost of building and equipping the new lab.
It's a good deal for the state and a great opportunity for WSU's Tri-Cities branch campus to grow.
The project is expected to cost about $30 million for construction and equipment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory would contribute half of that, mostly with money from its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.
But all that backers are asking for now is money to complete design work. They would return to the Legislature in two years to get approval for construction.
The national lab already is researching ways to convert agricultural products into synthetic materials. The process could help farmers find more profitable ways to dispose of waste such as peelings from processed potatoes or dairy manure.
And, since the farm products would be used to make products that now require petroleum to manufacture, they could help lessen the country's dependence on foreign oil. What's more, the substitution can drive down manufacturing costs.
It's an exciting area of research, and the proposed laboratory at WSU Tri-Cities could be Washington's chance to get into the game ahead of most states.
Tri-Citians would benefit, too. The project - the first strategic partnership with the national lab - could allow the WSU branch campus in Richland to expand its offerings, possibly adding its first doctoral degree.
Opportunities for undergraduates also would exist because, right now, the campus has limited lab space in which to offer science classes.
That's where the college needs to concentrate if it is going to live up to the dream of creating a four-year university experience in the Tri-Cities. For that same reason, this partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory cannot distract university officials from fulfilling the goal of creating a more seamless link with Columbia Basin College.
Both relationships can help WSU Tri-Cities grow into its potential. The Legislature can encourage that development by saying yes to this small request.
This editorial reprinted courtesy of the Tri-City Herald