Nanotech Research and Little Rock

Could research in the field of nanotechnology give Little Rock an economic boost? It seems to have done so in Albany, N.Y., a capitol city whose MSA is roughly the same size as Little Rock's. UALR's Nanotechnology Center is on the cusp of some big developments, many believe, and the university is considering issuing bonds for the construction of several much-needed projects including a new $15 million nanotech facility. The program needs more space, desperately, but essentially is competing with other worthy campus projects for funding. The school will have roughly $25 million in bonds to issue. The city itself is looking for financing "champions" to help get the ball rolling on a 30-acre research park likely to be bordered by I-630 on the north, 12th Street on the south, Fair Park Boulevard on the west and Jonesboro Drive on the east. The park would facilitate research, mainly in the biotechnology and biomedicine arenas, being conducted at UALR, UAMS and Arkansas Children's Hospital. Let's hope school and city officials can emulate their counterparts in Albany.

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