FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

RENO —U.S. Senator Harry Reid announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded DRI a $200,000 matching grant for the development of the Dandini Research Park master plan.

"This is a major step in the development of the park, said Dr. Stephen Wells, DRI President. “The grant will give us the ability to fulfill our mission of bringing commercial enterprises in partnership with DRI and UNR to develop and commercialize advanced technology."

The $500,000 project which is jointly funded by DRI, the Nevada Applied Research Initiative, and the EDA's $200,000 grant, will provide much needed technical planning for the 300-acre park. Funds from the State of Nevada's Applied Research Initiative will enable DRI to develop the research park master plan using DRI's new 6-sided CAVE, a three-dimensial total immersion computer modeling program.  This will enable park prospects to scout various sites, view infrastructure, vistas, and building models within the confines of the CAVE.

The Dandini Research Park is managed by DRI Research Parks, Ltd., a public-private non-profit entity with members from UNR, DRI, EDAWN, and leaders in the business community.   Editor’s Note: As a reminder DRI will be holding an event on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. with the Senator’s office and others to dedicate two new buildings on its Reno campus.

WHAT: Building Dedication and Tour
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27
TIME: 10:15 a.m.
WHERE: DRI South Parking Lot, 2215 Raggio Parkway