Facility would bring jobs, scientific research to Michigan

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, with Michigan’s Congressional delegation, has sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman supporting Michigan State University’s application to host the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). The facility will be home to multi-million dollar research equipment that will answer fundamental questions about the origins of our universe.

Congressman Ehlers, a nuclear physicist by training, made the following statement today about Michigan State University’s proposal:

“Michigan State University is the ideal location for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, and I will be working to convince the Department of Energy that it is the best choice. This scientific research facility would enhance the quality of education and research available in Michigan, and it would draw world-class scientists from around the globe.

“There are also tremendous advantages to locating facilities such as this on a major university campus. It provides a superb research opportunity for Ph.D.-seeking graduate students, and improves the possibility of attracting world-class faculty to the university. The University of California at Berkeley discovered this years ago, and became the world’s most respected public university and its faculty won an astounding number of Nobel prizes.

“The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams is a natural fit for Michigan State, and I hope the Department of Energy makes the right decision by placing it there.” 

The letter may be viewed by clicking the following link: http://www.house.gov/ehlers/pdf/letter_to_DOE_regarding_FRIB_072808.pdf