A&M to dedicate key element of vaccine center

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry will join other dignitaries at the dedication of what’s described as a national pandemic influenza vaccine facility.

The center is a key part of a $91 million vaccine manufacturing plant at Texas A&M University that proponents hope will create thousands of jobs while protecting the country against future biological threats and influenza pandemics.

The project is a private-public partnership between the state, the university, global pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline and the federal government.

Perry has said the facility will anchor a larger development and manufacturing complex expected to generate $41 billion in expenditures in the state over the next 25 years.