UNLV and the NTS Development Corporation (NTSDC) are pleased to announce that the UNLV Research Foundation and the NTSDC have agreed to affiliate in order to pursue their joint missions.

"This affiliation holds great promise," UNLV President Carol C. Harter said. "We are confident it will effectively promote economic development in Southern Nevada, as well as improve research activity at UNLV and in the region."

"NTSDC will continue to pursue its mission to facilitate the development of sustainable commercial activities in science and technology," according to NTSDC Chairman Steve Comer. This affiliation will "strengthen on-going NTSDC development programs of mutual interest and benefit such as the corporation's aerospace and renewable energy initiatives at the Nevada Test Site. The strategic affiliation agreement creates a smaller NTSDC governing board appointed by the UNLV Research Foundation and a 60-member board of advisors consisting of prominent state business people and elected officials."

According to CEO and President George Ormiston, "The NTSDC is currently engaged in excess of 30 development projects and programs." Those projects include establishment of five industrial parks, a 545-turbine "wind farm" at the Nevada Test Site, and a 320-acre renewable energy demonstration and research facility in Eldorado Valley.

Nevada's congressional delegation, which has closely followed the development of both the NTSDC and the UNLV Research Foundation, has applauded the affiliation, believing it will strengthen Southern Nevada's economy while supporting related initiatives at UNLV. The affiliation will also provide economic advantages and opportunities to UNLV based on the activities of the NTSDC.

The UNLV Research Foundation, which was authorized by the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada in 2000, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation that operates under the general auspices of the UNLV Foundation. The UNLV Research Foundation will continue to pursue its mission to promote and support research activity at UNLV. The membership of the board of the Research Foundation also includes both university and community leaders.