In his Annual Message to the Legislature, delivered this afternoon in Albany, New York Gov. George E. Pataki announced the outline of a new $1 billion high-technology initiative fund that would include an initial $250 million in state support.

Cornell University President Hunter Rawlings commented on the governor's proposal: "This is most welcome news for the people of New York state," Rawlings said. "The future economic health of New York depends greatly on our ability to harness the capacity of New York's academic research centers in support of economic development.

"Gov. Pataki has signaled that he wishes to make New York state a major player on the national scene when it comes to high technology. I look forward to learning the details of this exciting proposal in the days ahead."