Elk Run investor still confident in project's completion

The investor behind the delayed Elk Run biobusiness park in southeast Minnesota says he's still confident the hi-tech venture will be built.

The Elk Run project was announced two years ago, with hopes it would draw a billion dollars in investment. So far, the project is still waiting to get off the ground.

Project backer Steve Burrill said the park near Pine Island will eventually host a variety of new bioscience companies.

"I think the economic crisis in the world has probably slowed things down," Burrill said. "But I think Elk Run will be a very successful project and I think in the end the state will be very proud of what its done, kind of partway between Minneapolis and Rochester."

Burrill was at a bioscience conference in Worthington this week. On another issue, Burrill said he expects to announce in the next few weeks an investment in a Minnesota company he declined to name.

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