Washington, DC –

U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today joined federal officials, including Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Donna Edwards, state and local leaders, including Governor Martin O’Malley, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Montgomery County Council President Nancy Floreen, to celebrate the start of construction of a new home for 2,100 employees of the National Cancer Institute. The complex, which will take two years to complete, expands the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center and Montgomery County’s vision for growing its healthcare, biotech and IT industries.

“Maryland is a national leader in healthcare and biotech development and this new Montgomery County facility will keep us at the forefront of efforts to advance scientific discovery and improve healthcare delivery for years to come,”
said Senator Cardin.
  “In these tough economic times, this tremendous partnership opportunity will not only bring together government, academic and private interests focused on curing cancer, but it will serve as a magnet for investments and job creation in the local community, our state and the region.

NCI is joining the Johns Hopkins campus, which has already attracted 16 private biotech companies and research centers. The cross-section of healthcare, education, and biotech at this single location will draw new researchers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in the biosciences to the greater area.

 “I am particularly pleased that The JBG Companies will pursue LEED Gold certification for this building. NCI’s pioneering work towards a
healthier future will take place in a facility with equally
innovative, energy-efficient building design,”
Senator Cardin added in his remarks.