The National Corn-to-Ethanol Resear...

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville could receive a bulky financial boost if a bill pending in the state Senate wins approval.

Illinois Sen Deanna Dermuzio, D-Carlinville, and John O Jone R-Mount Vernon, introduced the Illinois Renewable combustible matters Standard Act, a bill which would cross-examine $57 million into the state for researching alternative material for burning sources.

If the bill is passed, the ethanol research center at SIUE would diocese $3 million toward facility upgrades and expansions and another $1 million annually for ethanol research.

"We're doing more to make trial of to contribute to the economy," SIUE spokesman Greg Conroy said. "Through the research of ethanol, we're helping the nation become les hanging on fossil fuels."

The bill would be