A new $50 million, state-of-the-art agricultural laboratory is being built at West Virginia State University in Institute.
On Tuesday Gov. Jim Justice made good on a promise that dates back to his State of the State address in January to appropriate the funds for the cutting edge facility.
He held a ceremonial signing of the bill passed by the legislature in May.
The new facility will house laboratory space for both WVSU and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
It will also help to create a new School of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at WVSU.
WVSU President Ericke Cage said the agricultural laboratory will help the university address a worldwide challenge through research and training.
“Food insecurity continues to be one of the world’s most persistent challenges,” Cage said.
“Together we will help to ensure that we are creating a sustainable pipeline of agricultural workers and together we will help to improve our state,” he added.