Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) It's where the innovations of the future are created. A state bill aims to protect a special center at Binghamton University.
It will take Governor Andrew Cuomo's signature to secure the future of the Centers of Excellence Program.
A bill to help the program passed in the State Senate and Assembly before the end of the legislative session.
The Centers of Excellence Program was established in the 2002-2003 budget, but never put into law.
There are six major high technology research facilities in the state, including one at Binghamton University.
The BU center focuses on micro-electronics, the Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging or S3IP. It's within the Innovative Technologies Complex.
"By putting the Centers into state law, it shows they are an important component of the innovation economy we're trying to build across New York State, especially Upstate. It really protects them for the future," said Donna Lupardo (D) NYS 126th Assembly.
"It gives us an ability to plan ahead and know that there is continued support for all the efforts that are happening more and more at Universities like Binghamton," said Eugene Krenstel, Assistant Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships.
A second building at the ITC will open soon and construction is underway on a third that will house the Center of Excellence. It's expected to open in 2013.
Assemblywoman Lupardo wrote the bill. State Senator Tom Libous helped pass the bill within the Senate.
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