What am I missing here? Nine months ago they were opening a brand-new 24+ million dollar research lab there and now the base is to be closed? Huh? (Of course, it goes without saying that I loathe The HildaBeast, and greatly distrust her motives on any subject...)
April 23, 2004
GOVERNOR PATAKI ATTENDS RIBBON-CUTTING AT NEW ROME RESEARCH LAB
http://www.nystar.state.ny.us/pr/04/press25-04.htm
New Facility Will Preserve Lab's Role in National Defense; Strengthen Mohawk Valley Economy
Governor George E. Pataki today joined Air Force General Gregory S. Martin, members of New York's Congressional Delegation and a host of State and local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new $24.8 million state-of-the-art Air Research Laboratory at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome.
"The opening of this new state-of-the art Air Force Research Laboratory marks the culmination of our successful efforts to ensure that the Rome Research Site continues to play a vital role in securing our nation's defense," Governor Pataki said. "In 1995, we almost lost this major R&D facility -- but through a cooperative effort by the State, the Air Force, New York's Federal delegation and State and local officials from the Mohawk Valley, we have preserved Rome's foothold in the sector of national defense for decades to come."
"The significance of having this nationally recognized research and development center here in Rome will be critical in our ongoing efforts to attract new tenants and high-tech jobs to the Tech Park," Governor Pataki said. "As we bring more high-tech companies and jobs into the Park, we will strengthen the region's economy and move closer to our ambitious goal of creating one million new jobs in New York by the end of the decade."
Closing one lab - opening another? I dunno...