The U.S Department of Commerce announces financial grants for a north Louisiana bioscience center and a New Orleans Jazz museum expansion. The new Biomedical Research and Innovation park will be located on the ULM campus.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the new research center will give graduating scholars security in Louisiana.
“So this puts us well on our way to establishing a great facility up there, advancing our ability in life sciences to retain some Louisiana talent, and grow the next generation,” said Pierson
The proposed 45,000 square-foot facility will be built adjacent to ULM’s School of pharmacy. Upon completion, the project is expected to create 175 new jobs in the Monroe area.
Pierson says Legislative delegators, The ULM foundation, and other team players all made this project possible.
“We put together about 14 million dollars so far, certainly this $1.8 is recognition of the great groundwork that we’ve put together and allows us to move into the execution phase,” said Pierson.
Total capital investment is projected to reach 34-million dollars.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum will also receive $1.1 million in federal funds for improvements to its French Quarter site. The museum is set to have musical upgrades and enhanced visitor experiences.
Pierson says both projects will benefit Louisiana economically.
“Certainly these are two target sectors, one being life science, and the other one is to reestablish the tourism economy that’s so important to the greater New Orleans area. This will show how important the tourism economy is in our state.”
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