University of Idaho Awarded Multiple Grants

A University of Idaho team developing a novel water treatment process has been granted $427,000 to perform a one-year feasibility study on its work. The funding comes from Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission, which helps Idaho’s universities, business leaders and other stakeholders push new technology beyond laboratories into the private sector. N-E-W Tech uses biochar, a charcoal-like activated carbon, to remove organic and mineral contaminants in wastewater with high efficiency. The process generates energy, and the minerals stripped from the water are used to produce fertilizer.

In addition, the National Institute of Health has awarded the University of Idaho a $10.6 million grant to help fund its new Center for Modeling Complex Interactions. The center will focus on using mathematical, statistical and molecular models to address biomedical research questions. The award is the first phase of a new Institutional Development Award Center (IDeA) of Biomedical Research Excellence for the university.

For more information on these projects, visit www.uidaho.edu or http://labor.idho.gov.

Relay Application Innovation Completes Construction of Headquarters

Relay Application Innovation, provider of electric power system protection, recently finished construction of its new headquarters in the new Palouse Business Center in Pullman. It is the first tenant in the business center.

For more information, visit www.relayapplication.com or http://palousebusinesscenter.com.

Inland Northwest Towns Upgrade to LED Streetlights

A landmark arrangement between the state of Washington and two major utilities will facilitate the installation of cost-saving LED streetlights in numerous small cities at no cost to the cities. Small cities have lagged nationwide in LED conversion because they cannot afford the initial capital cost. If all the small cities (population less than 5,000) were in one location in Washington, they would form the second largest city in the State, with 40,000 streetlights. The new program - called Relight Washington - is the result of an agreement proposed by the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB).

To learn more about the program and which cities will receive the streetlights, read the TIB's press release.

Dahmen Barn Artisans Receive Grants from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn received grants from the Inland Northwest Community Foundation ($29,581) and Northwest Farm Credit Services ($2,500) to complete restrooms in the facility’s new 3,600-square-foot addition that includes more studio space for artists, a multi-purpose room to be used for larger classes, live music performances and rentals for private events, restrooms and storage.

Also included is a commercial kitchen to be used by event caterers and will allow us to expand our programming into culinary arts classes. The addition adds 60 percent capacity to the facility.

To learn more, visit www.artisanbarn.org.

North Idaho College Breaks Ground on $15 million Career Technical Education Facility in Rathdrum

North Idaho College recently broke ground on its $15 million, 100,000-square-foot Career Technical Education Facility in Rathdrum. The facility, which will house several NIC professional-technical programs that are currently in temporary and/or tight quarters, is scheduled for completion by July 2016.

To learn more, visit www.nicu.edu.

Columbia Pulp to Build $150 Million Mill in Columbia County, Wash.

Columbia Pulp, LLC is planning to develop and build a 140,000-ton-per-year pulp mill on a 449-acre site in Columbia County, Wash. The $150 million facility, which is expected to start production in the 3rd quarter of 2016, will create roughly 130 new jobs.

To learn more, go to www.columbiapulp.net.