ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) – With Cornell University breaking the ground on its new research facility, Senator Chuck Schumer came to Ithaca Thursday to announce a significant amount of federal funding for the project.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday $32 million in funding he brought to New York from the National Science Foundation. Of that, CHESS, a high-energy x-ray source at Cornell, will receive $8.5 million for new research projects. The money will create jobs while generating cutting-edge research.

“This will mean over 150 new good-paying jobs on top of the 150 supported at the lab here,” Sen. Schumer said.” Much more important is the research that's going to come out of this.”

CHESS is one of two high-energy x-ray sources in the country. Schumer's continued effort to defend the resource has moved it from the chopping block to a plethora of research in New York State.

“It's a high-tech x-ray beam for pure research,” Schumer said. “But out of pure research comes amazing discoveries that help us.”

CHESS Director Joel Brock has led the charge for the lab, serving as a pioneer of scientific research. He feels this funding will continue to help generate award-winning research.

“Research facilities are transforming towards an emphasis on innovation-driven research, translation, and external impact,” Brock said. “This sub facility and the high magnetic field project are clear evidence of this strong and enduring partnership between CHESS and the National Science Foundation.”

Cornell University President Martha Pollack is ecstatic that Cornell is receiving the money. She feels the funds will help them advance their research even further.

“CHESS has been one of the crown jewels of scientific exploration for more than 40 years,” Pollack said. “The addition of our new High Magnetic Field beamline, supported by an inaugural Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure award from the National Science Foundation, will open new realms of exploration for CHESS and its partners.”