WHEREAS, the Idaho Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program has proven to be vital to the science and research institutions of Idaho; and

          WHEREAS, the EPSCoR program is directly responsible for over $157 million dollars in research return dollars to Idaho universities; and

          WHEREAS, the EPSCoR Committee, responsible for administering the EPSCoR program, has a 24 year history of advancing research and development opportunities and championing education and science in Idaho’s institutions; and

          WHEREAS, independence from all Idaho institutions of higher learning creates the best environment for objective science and research based judgment; and

          WHEREAS, the EPSCoR Committee would benefit from the oversight within the State Board of Education;

          NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of the State of Idaho do hereby order the following:

      1)      The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research Committee (EPSCoR Committee) be relocated and reestablished within the State Board of Education.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in Boise on this 12th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE