Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration reversed itself for the third time in two days Thursday, and said a Maine bioscience firm will get credit for creating jobs that will be funded by the University of Connecticut, The Waterbury Republican-American reports.
State Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden, had complained after learning that 10 UConn scientists who would work at the planned $1.1 billion Jackson Laboratory facility in Farmington would be included among 300 jobs the lab agreed to bring to the state in exchange for $290 million in government aid.
After initially confirming Suzio’s understanding of the deal, the governor’s office said Wednesday night the UConn jobs would not help the company meet its job-creation obligation.
But on Thursday, Catherine Smith, the commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, acknowledged they would. She said she had given the governor’s office incorrect information Wednesday night.
“I was less worried about who is paying for these jobs, and am much more concerned in making sure these jobs are created and not just the 300, but a long-term partnership that is being established and will create many more ancillary positions.”
The Jackson Laboratory, based in Bar Harbor, Maine, agreed in February to build a $1.1 billion research facility near the UConn Health Center in Farmington.
Construction is expected to begin within a year. Under the deal approved by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, the state is providing $192 million in loans that will be forgiven once Jackson creates and retains 300 jobs by the 10th year. Jackson also is receiving up to $99 million in grants over 10 years for research.
Under a separate collaboration agreement with UConn, the school agrees to fund 10 full-time faculty positions for the laboratory. Jackson agreed to hire another 20 researchers who will be eligible to apply for faculty appointments.
