Purdue's $6.25 million plant-mapping project approved

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - The State Budget Committee has given its approval for Purdue University to build a high-tech, greenhouse-like facility where scientists will map plant genomes.

Democratic state Rep. Sheila Klinker of Lafayette says the panel of lawmakers and others endorsed Purdue's plans Friday for the controlled environment phenotyping center.

Phenotyping maps plant genomes for efforts to genetically tailor them with desirable genetic traits while removing undesirable characteristics.

Purdue's director of state relations, Tony Hahn, tells the Journal & Courier (http://on.jconline.com/2aA5XBm ) that Gov. Mike Pence still must sign off on the project.

He says the $6.25 million needed to build the new 7,300-square-foot facility will come from Purdue's capital funds, not taxpayer money.

Purdue spokesman Brian Zink says construction is tentatively set to begin in February, with completion expected by January 2018.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com