From that, $125 million would go toward research "clusters" at the U. and USU, focusing on areas like life sciences, biotechnology, watersheds, weather, neuroscience and information technology.

Another $250 million would be used to build or enhance facilities, with $100 million alone just for the U. Brain Institute. The remaining $25 million is needed for technology innovation centers.

Several lawmakers sensed the "urgency" of needing more money for public higher education and recognized the potential for negative impacts on the state's economy if those funds are not found.

Utah Commissioner of Higher Education said this legislative session feels like a 180-degree turnaround from 2004, when state money was more scarce and institutions were forced to reallocate internal funds to balance their budgets.

U. President Michael K. Young and incoming USU President Stan Albrecht echoed Kendell's concern that if the state doesn't step up its investment in public higher education — like so many other states have done — Utah will be left behind in more ways than just economic.

"This is economic development," said Salt Lake Chamber President Lane Beattie. "It happens to benefit some of our higher education institutions."

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com