U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon joined Tuesday with business, labor and economic development leaders to announce a united Michigan campaign to help MSU win a national competition for the $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Levin has pledged his support for the massive project along with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Reps. John Dingell and Mike Rogers.

The project would bring in $1 billion in economic activity and 400 new jobs to Michigan, generating $187 million in new tax revenues over the next 20 years if it is located at MSU, according to an economic and fiscal impact analysis by Anderson Economic Group.

More than 30 officials, including Michigan Chamber of Commerce President Elect Richard K. Studley and Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney, have agreed to join the committee to make the strongest case possible with federal officials.

“We are preparing a tremendous proposal that shows Michigan can provide the scientific, educational and management edge for this major research facility,” Simon said. “Our Leadership Advisory Committee will assist Michigan’s congressional delegation as they help us make the case for Michigan and work with DOE to secure the needed funding.” 

Added Levin: “The benefits of FRIB would stretch across the state of Michigan, creating jobs and new educational opportunities, not to mention the potential for scientific breakthroughs with applications in medical technology and other critical areas. We are working in Congress to make sure that this great plan MSU has put together receives full and fair consideration.”

Granholm noted that winning this project would help Michigan regain some of the tax dollars it sends to the federal government. “The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory has long been an important asset to our state, attracting scientists from around the world and federal research funds," Granholm said. "We are still a donor state to Washington, and having this facility is essential to maintain and build MSU’s science research capabilities and bring in important federal dollars.”

The NSCL staff is preparing an application in response to the DOE’s Funding Opportunity Announcement to locate the project at MSU. DOE is expected to decide by November.

According to Simon, placing this facility in a university setting is in the nation’s best interest. “We have the whole package at NSCL -- the history of excellent management, the leading scientists and the unique ability to engage and spark young science minds and educate the work force of tomorrow,” she said.

MSU ranks No. 2 in the nation in its nuclear physics graduate degree program, according to U.S. News & World Report, and awards 10 percent of the nation’s nuclear physics doctoral degrees.

“The best way to ensure future success is to build on past success,” Simon said.

Stabenow said the Leadership Advisory Committee will play an important role in helping Michigan win the facility.

“The leadership committee being announced today is recognition of MSU’s world class leadership as well as the vital importance of this project to Michigan,” she said. “This team of state leaders will be of critical help to me and members of our delegation in our efforts to make this project a reality.”

Patrick Anderson, CEO of Anderson Economic Group, said the FRIB project, once operational, would result in more than 400 new jobs in Michigan and $62 million in new earnings annually, along with new construction jobs.

“Investing in the FRIB would be a home run for Michigan,” Anderson said. “It is clear that the FRIB is worth a full-scale effort by the state to bring it here.”

Nuclear science research, such as that conducted at MSU’s cyclotron, is published and used around the world in practical applications, ranging from life-saving medical diagnostic equipment to cancer treatments. The FRIB project would also produce major spin-off applications in medical sciences, national security, materials sciences and other businesses.

You can learn more about the Michigan’s efforts to win the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at www.scienceandjobsformichigan.com. And a 10-minute podcast of a press event on the facility is available on the MSU Web site at http://spartanpodcast.com/?p=452.