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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-18 Correspondence - Andrus to D. Bice (USDA) - Letter of Support for USDA Relocation BOZ E MAN MT Mayor October 8, 2018 The Honorable Donald K. Bice Deputy Assistant Secretary Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration United States Department of Agriculture Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 240-W 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 RE: Letter of Support on behalf of the Bozeman City Commission for the Relocation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service (ERS) Headquarters to the Montana State University Innovation Campus, Bozeman, Montana. Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Bice, The Bozeman City Commission enthusiastically supports the Montana State University Innovation Campus' desire to host the USDA's NIFA and ERS headquarters. Bozeman, Montana, and specifically the Montana State University Innovation Campus, provides the ideal location for this headquarters facility. Bozeman exemplifies the all- important work-life balance sought by the USDA for its employees and their families. The City of Bozeman enjoys a strong and productive relationship with Montana State University and supports MSU's mission of educating students, creating knowledge and art, and serving Montana communities by integrating learning, discovery and engagement. Created as a land-grant institution, MSU is a welcoming, energetic, aspirational institution that inspires excellence in education, research, creativity and civic responsibility. As recently reported, Montana State University's research spending in FY 18 was $126 million, the fifth consecutive year of research expenditures exceeding $100 million. MSU's College of Agriculture recorded the highest total research spending in the amount of$35.6 million. Additionally, as the host community for Montana State University and the Innovation Campus, Bozeman is a high amenity, high quality of life, full service community which provides excellent public service for its residents and businesses. Some areas of excellence include: 1) lowest crime rate of Montana's largest cities; 2) Q121 NorthRouse Avenue © Box 1230 O 416 •11 41 © 416 44 www.bozeman.net Bozeman, • 1 TDD: 406-582-2301 THE MOST LIVABLE PLACE. BOZ E MAN MT Mayor highly educated population, 48% of residents 25 years old or older have a bachelor's degree; 3) fastest growing and busiest airport in Montana with 7 airlines and 16 destinations; 4) 2111 century fiber-optic communications infrastructure; and 5) gateway to Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by approximately 730,000 acres of public land, of which 662,000 acres is managed by the USDA vis the US Forest Service. Bozeman is minutes away from world class fishing and skiing and the vigorous pursuit of all things outdoors. We know that Bozeman and the MSU Innovation Campus are ideal locations for NIFA and ERS headquarters. Please feel free to contact me directly at candrus@bozeman.net if I can be of additional assistance in your decision making. For more information on Bozeman, MSU and the Innovation Campus see our 2017 Economic Profile. Respec Cynthia L. An us Mayor eman, Montana • • :• / Q • •• Q 0Bozeman, MT 59771-1230 4/. .11 41 Q 41. •• • TDD: 406-582-2301 THE MOST LIVABLE PLACE.