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The North Carolina Research Campus is still trying to attract a U.S. Department of Agriculture research center.
The latest effort involves a $500,000 earmark in the department's budget that is awaiting approval by the full House next month. U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, a Democrat whose district includes the $1.5 billion Kannapolis biotech complex, had requested the funding.
The center would focus on human nutrition, said Leanne Powell, Kissell's chief of staff. She said the center would be housed at the Core Lab building, the campus centerpiece that houses speciality equipment and labs.
Billionaire Dole Food owner David Murdock founded the campus, which is home to N.C. universities and private businesses, and is focused on research in human health, nutrition and agriculture.
“It's all still speculation, but obviously having a federal agency would be a big boost to the campus as a whole,” said Michael Luther, president of the David H. Murdock Research Institute, the nonprofit foundation that owns and runs the Core Lab. “We'll knock on wood and hope it comes through.”
A USDA official was not available for comment.
Kannapolis and campus officials have tried to attract the research center for several years now.
Kissell initially sought $2 million, but that was trimmed in a House committee. If the full House approves the budget, it would then go to the Senate for consideration.
Adam Bell: 704-358-5696
