Six years ago, lawmakers had the foresight to put millions into a project that promised that more engineers and computer scientists would graduate into the work force and thus boost Utah's economy.

Members of the Technology Initiative Advisory Board presented the results of the 2001 bill Wednesday, while asking for the remaining $2 million in ongoing funds to complete the promised enhancements to the state systems of public and higher education.

"We cannot afford to go back on this commitment," said board chairman John Sutherland, of Cemaphore Systems. He said high wages the position offers has contributed more than $200 million to the state's tax base.

"Occasionally in the Legislature, you do something that is smart," said Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville. He encouraged committee members to further explore the benefits of such initiatives and supported the advisory board's request.

"The reason Utah's economy is what it is today is largely due in part to initiatives like this," Holdaway said.

Overall, Utah's increase in graduates is roughly twice the national average.

In 2007, Utah graduated 1,183 engineers and 579 computer scientists. The increase from 862 engineering graduates and 482 computer science graduates in the year 2000, Sutherland said is still not filling unprecedented demands.

"We came to Utah strictly for the caliber and quantity of excellent engineering work force that is available here," said Laurie Bott, corporate community affairs manager for IM Flash Technologies in Lehi. The semi-conductor industry leader employs 814 engineers locally, and Bott said more than 100 new jobs are currently available.

New graduates have answered a growing need at ATK Launch Systems, in Brigham City, where nearly 400 engineers were recently hired. The top producer of solid rocket motors has plans to hire an additional 140 engineers in the near future, according to ATK's Larry Johnson.

"In my 30 years, I've never seen as strong group of engineers as is coming out of universities than right now," he said. "Engineers from this state are the work horses."

The $2 million requested will be matched by participating institutions as well as by industry through increased donations. It is expected to be used to fulfill the initiative's goals of dumping even more graduates into the work force by hiring additional faculty and boosting outreach programs throughout the state.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com