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The bill would grant $1.4 million to the Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology, Inc.; $1 million would be used for equipment and the other $400,000 would be used for operating costs.
The Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance committee passed it for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.
In January, the same committee passed a bill that would appropriate $600,000 toward building sites for the center. It was included in the House bonding bill, which passed last week.
"We had a good day," said Rep. Gregory Davids, R-Preston, chief author of the bill.
Nanotechnology is the direct manipulation of atoms and molecules at the atomic level. For example, the technology creates better paints for cars and makes clothing resistant to spills.
The proposed Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology would collaborate with other scientists, engineers and technicians. It would contract with area businesses, which would pay a fee to use the equipment.
The nanotechnology center would work with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Winona State University and Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical to educate and train students in nanotechnology.
The center would cost an estimated $6 million, $2 million each from private, state and federal funding sources. The proposed site for the Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology is the former IGA at the Mill Street Mall.
Though many have said the outlook is hopeful, Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, doesn't know whether it's likely the center will be funded.
"I'm optimistic," he said, "But to use the word likely, given the fiscal constraints we're under, is maybe a little bit premature."
Dale Evavold, secretary of the Rushford Institute for Nanotechnology Inc., said if they don't get the funding, they have to go to "Plan B," which is still undetermined. For the time being, he also said he is hopeful.
