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By Sherry F. Pruitt

JONESBORO -- "Marion Berry gets it," said ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY System President Dr. Les Wyatt, referring to the advantages of the Jonesboro campus receiving federal funding for biofuel research.

With the recent passage of the House Energy and Water Appropriations bill, Congressman Marion Berry, D-Gillett, secured $1.5 million in funding for Arkansas State's Biofuels Research Program, according to The Associated Press.

"This money will significantly enhance our ability to move biofuels technology into the commercial sector," said Dr. Elizabeth Hood, associate vice chancellor for research and technology transfer. "We're excited ... but we've got some more hoops to jump through."

Hood added that both houses must pass the measure, and it will have to go through conference for approval, but Arkansas Biosciences Institute and ASU officials are hopeful.

The money will be used to develop enzymes that will advance cellulosic ethanol technology, according to the AP report. The development of these enzymes will significantly reduce the cost of ethanol production, which will lower the cost of the biofuel ultimately benefiting consumers.

"The First District is covered primarily in plant materials. It will be a great boon to Craighead County and throughout the district," said Wyatt.

Hood started several years ago working with Berry and has had numerous visits with Berry's office staff in Washington, D.C., as part of that connection in an effort to get ASU's needs and abilities noticed at the federal level, Wyatt said.

She also has met with the U.S. Department of Energy staff, a session scheduled by Berry, she added.

With a background in pharmacology and agriculture, Berry has the science behind him and understands the benefits to ASU and the potential for new businesses in Northeast Arkansas with biofuels, Wyatt explained.

"With the highly respected scientists at ASU and the abundance of agricultural resources available, Arkansas could easily become the leader in the growing biofuels industry," according to Berry, who spoke about the funding to an AP reporter.

The president said that Gov. Mike Beebe also has expressed his support to further advance fuel alternatives in Arkansas, with a specific interest on cellulose-based fuel, which is Hood's expertise.

Berry's interests extend beyond ASU's capabilities to developments in Batesville and potential developments in West Memphis, Wyatt noted.

"Marion Berry is on board with the alternative fuel concept," Wyatt maintained. "He's a scientist, and he understands the significance. ... He was able to write a $1.5 million grant into the bill."

"I'm proud of the integrity and quality of work that has come from ASU, and I look forward to more innovative developments from this program," Berry said.

Likewise, Wyatt expressed that the university community is "enormously grateful" to Berry and to Beebe for their support.

"Congressman Marion Berry gets it," Wyatt said. "He understands what this technology is about and how the economic development possibilities might emerge in his district," Wyatt said.

In several months, Wyatt added, it is likely that officials from the energy department, as well as the undersecretary of energy, will visit the Jonesboro campus. And, more funding could become available.

"The hope is the $1.5 million would be increased in the future," Wyatt said.

sherry@jonesborosun.com