EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – UTEP has stopped work on its Regional Innovation Engine program and has named a new acting head for the program, according to a statement sent out on Monday, May 6.
UTEP had been awarded a $15 million grant over two years for the program by the National Science Foundation. As KTSM.com previously reported, the program is designed to spur the defense and aerospace industries in the El Paso region.
UTEP sent out the following statement on Monday, May 6:
“On or about April 6, UTEP became aware of potentially incorrect statements in its proposal to the National Science Foundation for the Regional Innovation Engine Program. UTEP conducted a review and found that the statements in question committed resources to the NSF grant that UTEP does not have.
“We have sent a letter today (May 6) informing the NSF of these erroneous claims. On April 25, the NSF directed that UTEP suspend work on our Regional Innovation Engine pending further review.
“UTEP will work with our regional partners and the NSF to provide the NSF information needed for this important work for El Paso to resume as soon as possible.
“Effective immediately, Dr. Kenneth Meissner, dean of the College of Engineering, will serve as acting head of the UTEP Aerospace Center.”
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