Life sciences projects gains $5m

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

f there was a bright spot in the state budget approved last week by the Legislature, it was a show of support for the proposed Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Initiative with Baystate Medical Center.

     Amid the many cuts leveled across the University system as well as other state agencies, lawmakers ponied up half of the $10 million sought for the project to construct research and teaching facilities on campus and in Springfield.

     "This allocation and show of support is a tremendous accomplishment for the region given the state's fiscal circumstances," said interim Chancellor Marcellette Williams. Clearly the Legislature recognizes the need to invest in our economic future even in times of scarce resources."

     Acknowledging the backing of Senate President Thomas Birmingham and House Speaker Thomas Finneran, Williams credited several regional lawmakers for shepherding the project through the budget process. Among those she credited were representatives Nancy Flavin (D-Easthampton) and Thomas Petrolati (D-Ludlow), senators Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst), Linda Melconian (D-Springfield) and Brian Lees (R-East Longmeadow) and former House Majority Leader William Nagle.