While delivering versus our objectives, we have also onboarded new, cutting edge instrumentation and upgraded our facilities with significant assistance from the University of Minnesota.
I am pleased to report that NRRI was once again successful in attracting Legislative financial support. NRRI received a $750,000 appropriation for Minnesota water and mineral resources applied research:
- $300,000 to demonstrate three sulfate reduction technologies
- $450,000 for continued characterization of the Biwabik iron formation and development of new mineral process technologies and iron products
We also received an $840,000 appropriation for applied research in forestry and bioeconomy research and demonstration:
- $500,000 to complete a state-wide forest optimization predictive tool
- $340,000 to continue development and demonstration of value-added biomass-based products
These appropriations are funded via the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Finally, in some final legislative action, the Higher Education budget provided an additional appropriation of $500,000 to support our applied research mission.
I would like to thank Representative Julie Sandstede and Senators David Tomassoni and Justin Eichorn for carrying these bills, and their many colleagues for their continued encouragement and support. I am also grateful for the active support of our NRRI Advisory Board.
Looking forward, NRRI is ready to get to work -- not only in driving these projects, but also in leveraging this funding to attract additional federal and other funding to multiply the impact of Minnesota’s taxpayer investment in our future. I look forward to reporting what we do next.
Until then, thank you for your interest and support.
Onward!