South Dakota Republicans say a bill moving through the legislature can create jobs in the state.
The proposal would provide $20 million dollars to the Board of Regents for a bioproducts facility in Brookings. The project comes from a new partnership between South Dakota School of Mines and South Dakota State University.
House Majority Leader Kent Peterson says bioprocessing research can attract and retain future workers.
“Every time a railcar full of soybeans leaves South Dakota, jobs go with it. We need to find ways to add value and I think this is a way that we can do that that is great for South Dakota in many ways.”
The estimated cost of the facility and equipment is $28.5 million dollars. The presidents of both schools say the rest of the funding will come from private investments and federal grants.
The bill heads for consideration to the full House.