Michigan State proceeds with nuclear research facility plans despite federal budget concerns - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michigan State University decided Friday to proceed with preparations for a nuclear research facility despite questions about how the federal budget squeeze might affect the project's future. The university's governing board approved the administration's request to take the next step for the project, establishing a $20 million budget for site preparation and excavation. The move is designed to make sure Michigan State is on track for the project if federal budget support comes through as the university expects. Michigan State won a national competition to land the project in December 2008, and work is under way to design the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. But U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said earlier this month that federal funding for the $600 million nuclear research facility could be in doubt because of federal budget pressures and the economy.