University of Albany's College of Nanoscience and Engineering: $1 million earmarked by Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Charles Schumer

The University of Albany's College of Nanoscience and Engineering is in line for a $1 million grant under legislation pending with the U.S. Senate.

The money is part of a larger funding package approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said.

The legislation must pass the Senate and then move to the House of Representatives before it is considered by President George Bush.

In April, Schumer helped broker an agreement between Albany NanoTech, the research site where UAlbany's NanoCollege is located, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that would develop universal measurements for computer chips and other nano-sized products.

At the time, Schumer said the agreement could lead to government funding. The $1 million grant will go toward the NIST project.

UAlbany and NIST will work together at Albany NanoTech to develop the universal standards. The parties will share research, staff and equipment.

"These federal dollars will not only underscore the university's position at the forefront of nanotechnology across the globe, but also show the federal government's commitment to ensuring it stays there," Schumer said.