GRANITE FALLS -- Minnesota West Community and Technical College will receive $500,000 toward renewable energy research from the $4.4 million in federal funds granted to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
According to a Thursday news release from MnSCU, Minnesota West Community and Technical College will receive the grant for the Minnesota Center for Renewable Energy. The center will use the money to work with national business and industry on applied research projects to increase energy diversity and national security. The center will work to strengthen the agricultural, manufacturing and market sectors in renewable energy production.
The college's grant is part of the $4.4 million in federal funds being granted to MnSCU following an appropriations bill that was signed Wednesday by President Bush.
A $1.1 million portion will be designated to a veterans' re-entry education project that will provide specific career and education services to veterans. Another $2.8 million will be used toward nursing education, renewable energy, engineering technology and child protection programs at eight MnSCU institutions.
"Minnesotans stand to benefit greatly from these grants," said Chancellor James H. McCormick. "And all of them support the Board of Trustees strategic plan to increase access higher education, promote the state's economic vitality and develop innovative educational programs."
