LANSING, Mich., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Michigan issued a request for proposals (RFPs) today, seeking projects to fund with $50 million in annual grants it has earmarked from state tobacco settlement money. The initial $50 million is part of

According to Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chairman of the Life Sciences Corridor Steering Committee, the committee is accepting 2-page pre-proposals or, in the case of highly scientific proposals, a letter of intent, due by May 5. Full proposals will be due by the end of June. ``We are interested in receiving innovative proposals that will support the emergence of a world class science and technology development corridor in Michigan, and actively encourage collaboration with entities outside of the state,'' Rothwell said. The Washington Advisory Group, led by the former heads of the National Academy of Sciences, National Institute of Health and National Science Board, has been retained to provide planning, process development and review support. ``The Washington Advisory Group's review team is drawn from the ranks of the nation's most experienced executives and managers of technology-oriented organizations,'' Rothwell said. ``Their impressive expertise will help guarantee the most plausible projects receive funding.'' The RFPs will identify projects to fund in three categories: basic research, applied research, and commercialization projects. The state plans to allocate $25 million for Collaborative Research and Development, $20 million for Basic Research, and $5 million for Commercial Development to assist life sciences companies starting operations in Michigan. The move to fund the Life Sciences Corridor with the $1 billion in tobacco settlement money -- $50 million each year -- is unique among states who have reached a $246 billion settlement with the tobacco industry. Michigan will receive a total of $8.5 billion over the next 20 years as their part of the tobacco settlement. The Life Sciences Corridor is a working collaborative between the State of Michigan, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, The Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids and numerous pharmaceutical, chemical and related research companies and organizations. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is promoting the Life Sciences Initiative to position Michigan as a major global center for both life sciences and research, and business development. The Corridor is part of the state's plan to create high-paying, high tech jobs that will make Michigan a more attractive place to locate a business. According to Site Selection magazine, Michigan leads the nation for new plants and expansions for the third year in a row. Copies of the RFP can be downloaded from www.michigan.org/corridor as of April 14. For questions or guidance through the application process, contact the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor Fund information line at 877-428-9660.

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