Del., neighbors rally around biotech industry

I guess I need to cover this story...

State, federal money will help cultivate life sciences


PHILADELPHIA -- Political leaders from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey gathered in Philadelphia on Tuesday to discuss ways to improve the area's biotechnology and life sciences.

The emerging biotech industry, which supporters say needs more funding, is crucial for work force expansion, according to Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.

"One of the most important things we can do is prepare our work force for the future," she said at a news conference with Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania and David Socolow, New Jersey commissioner of labor and work force development.

"When companies are looking to relocate, the first thing they ask about is the work force," Minner said.

A pair of U.S. Department of Labor grants totaling $6.6 million will be used to train workers in biotechnology and the life sciences in a 13-county region that includes New Castle County, southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

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