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Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Thursday, January 20, 2005

Nanotechnology center could appear in Rushford

By Britt Johnsen | Winona Daily News

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Rushford should think bigger.

Or that was the feeling at the capitol Wednesday, when the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Finance committee moved forward with a bill Wednesday, which requests $600,000 be appropriated toward building sites for nanotechnology. The bill is authored by Greg Davids, R-Preston, Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona and Dan Dorman R-Albert Lea.

But committee member Tim Mahoney, DFL-St. Paul, suggested that Davids be "grander" and "bolder" in his requests for the first rural nanotechnology center.

"I applaud you for bringing this, but I encourage you to think bigger," Mahoney said.

Nanotechnology is the direct manipulation of atoms and molecules at the atomic level. Davids said the technology creates, for instance, better paints for cars and clothing resistant to spills.

"It affects every area of our life," Davids said.

The proposed Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology would collaborate with other scientists, engineers and technicians. It would contract with area businesses. The businesses would pay a fee to use the equipment.

"Half of the mission of the (center) is to work with the work force," said Kevin Klungtvedt, president of the Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology.

The center, a nonprofit organization, would also work with Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical to train students on nanotechnology.

Regardless of whether the center is up, MSC-ST will offer classes on nanotechnology beginning next January. MSC-ST President Jim Johnson was at the committee meeting Wednesday to show his support.

The center would cost $6 million, requesting $2 million each at the private, state and federal levels. The proposed site for the Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology is the former IGA at the Mill Street Mall, Davids said.

The next step is introducing another bill at the Capitol next week, which asks for $1.4 million to fund equipment and operating expenses. Next month a request will be made of Norm Coleman, R-Minn., to pursue $2 million in funding at the federal level.