Technology Center Opens New Office

EAST HARTFORD - As leaders of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology cut the ribbon Tuesday on its new headquarters, federal and state officials said $20 million in additional funding for programs is on its way to the organization. John Carson, chairman of CCAT's board of directors, said the new funding and larger headquarters on Pitkin Street would help the group establish the National Center for Aerospace Leadership. The nonprofit group was chosen several years ago to establish the aerospace center, whose goal is to address the nation's need to maintain global leadership in engineering and manufacturing of advanced propulsion and power systems.
"This is an exciting day, one of collaboration that we have to build on," Carson said. Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced earlier that the state Department of Economic and Community Development was giving $5 million to CCAT to administer two new programs for expanding technology-based businesses and bio-diesel production."These programs will help us grow good, quality jobs in emerging industries," Rell said. U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, told dozens of dignitaries gathered for the ribbon-cutting that the House last week approved legislation that includes $15 million for CCAT. The Department of Defense Act of 2008, which was agreed to by House and Senate leaders, has been sent to President Bush. Bush signed the measure Tuesday."I am so proud of the work that goes on every day at CCAT," said Larson, vice chairman of the House Democratic caucus. "It is vital to our future workforce and the economic vitality of this region."Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele told the group that CCAT is a great asset to the state's business community and an integral part of efforts to foster small business and start-up companies. "Their mission of industry, government and academic partnerships helps strengthen technology-driven economic growth," he said. CCAT will begin accepting applications Dec. 1 for the Small Business Incubator Program, which will provide grants to eligible technology-based companies. Also on Dec. 1, CCAT will offer grants to producers of bio-diesel. "Providing these financial incentives will make Connecticut more competitive and more attractive in the global marketplace," Rell said. CCAT, which also has offices at Rentschler Field, had been leasing other space at Founders Plaza for its headquarters, but outgrew it and earlier this year signed a 10-year lease for the 30,000-square-foot building at 222 Pitkin St. Officials for CCAT also have set their sights on another building in town that they hope to renovate and use for expanding their business incubator program in the future. CCAT officials have been trying to secure funding from state, federal and other sources for a new building at Rentschler Field. Carson said it could take more than five years for CCAT to accomplish its goal of establishing the Rentschler location.
Source: courant.com