BINGHAMTON (AP) - Binghamton University is about to kick-start the Southern Tier's economy.

Last week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo approved a NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant for Binghamton University to build a new $70 million smart energy research center. The 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art smart energy research and development project would make room for more 2,000 more students and create more than 840 university and private sector jobs.

Governor Cuomo and BU President Harvey Stenger partnered with Senator Tom Libous to make the project a reality.

“The Smart Energy building will support innovative research that will generate new partnerships with business,” said BU President Harvey Stenger Jr. “Combined with 2,000 additional students and nearly 400 faculty and staff, the plan will significantly boost the region’s economy, providing both short- and long-term benefits.”

According to Sen. Libous’ website, the facility would develop technologies in:

• Solar and thermoelectric energy harvesting.

• Energy storage.