Auburn will receive $43.3 million in federal funds to build a new agriculture laboratory.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, announced the award Monday. The funds will go toward constructing a new USDA Agriculture Research Service National Soil Dynamics Laboratory.
“I am proud to have secured funding for the new ARS facility in Auburn,” Shelby said. “The soil lab will serve as an outlet for the USDA to complete research that will improve crop and livestock production for Alabama and the entire nation. I look forward to the work that will result from the partnership between Auburn and the USDA, and I am confident the project will continue to enhance our state’s thriving agriculture industry.”
Shelby is the chairman of the powerful Senate appropriations committee.
Auburn President Steven Leath said the new facility will further Auburn's drive "to inspire through life-changing innovation."
“Auburn will deepen its relationship with the USDA, more opportunities will emerge for our students and faculty and Auburn will be in a better position to solve real-world problems," Leath said. "Once again, Sen. Shelby has proven himself a champion of science and research that improves quality of life and fosters economic opportunity for farmers in Alabama and across the nation. We’re grateful to him for making it happen.”
The funding comes from the funding package signed into law on Feb. 15.
Research at the facility will focus on improving the productive and sustainable use of soil and water resources for increased crop and livestock production.
A current laboratory site at Auburn will be relocated and a new facility will be constructed.
Agriculture is Alabama’s top revenue-producing industry. It generates an annual statewide impact of more than $70 billion on more than 9 million acres of farmland and more than 48,500 farms.
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Chip Brownlee, senior in journalism and political science, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
