"We really do believe that this positions the state of Utah to be a significant player in a growing world economy with global competition of various types," said USU President Stan Albrecht. "The kind of scientific research and the kind of technological innovation that will come from this will be absolutely essential to position Utah to be in a competitive position."

Both presidents also realize that the pressure will be on to produce the expected results.

"We truly recognize that much is expected of the universities, and we just need to assure everyone that we're prepared and ready to deliver," Albrecht said.

"We appreciate our role in this," Young said. "We're excited to do it. We've done it before. And this will accelerate it, I think, in dramatic ways."

The ceremonial signing occurred at Myriad Genetics at Research Park. The company now has 750 employees working on genetic research ultimately used to prevent or treat disease.

"The reason we are here is to send a message loud and clear that this is the kind of company that we hope will come out of this USTAR effort," Huntsman said.

"All the money aside," Young said, "the good that will be done for the people of this state and indeed the people of the nation through what's being done today is simply incalculable. . . . The benefit to the people of this state and this nation is priceless."

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