01/05/07 Dairy research center funding

The Magic Valley is going to be home to the Dairy Environmental Research and Training Center. That proposed project has been in the talking or planning stages for the past six years. Its purpose is to study the environment, the soil, water, air and the people who are involved in large scale modern day agriculture. But before they build the center Idaho Dairymen Association's Bob Nearebout says they need ten million dollars from the legislature NAEREBOUT "The university is coming up with ten million dollars and the industry is coming up with five million dollars." It's a one time expenditure but what are the chances of getting the money? NAEREBOUT "We have some real leaders out the Magic Valley in key positions that are strong supporters, advocates even pushing for this one, being Scott Bedke, who is assistant majority leader, Maxine Bell and Dean Cameron, both co-chairs of JFAC, and this is going to have to go through JFAC." Nearebout says he's been contacted by officials from USDA's Agriculture Research Service who have indicated that they'll put six personnel at the center dedicated to the livestock industry. If they get the funding, Nearebout says construction could begin this summer at one of three potential sites. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott