Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray join local leaders at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to break ground on a new science center. Our Berkshire County reporter Brandon Walker has more.

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts hasn't seen a day like this in over 40 years. That's the last time the college broke ground on new construction.

"Right on every part of our growth strategy, which is a strategy based on education, innovation and infrastructure," said Gov. Patrick, democrat, Massachusetts.

Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray joined local leaders and school administrators for the ground breaking ceremony. The $54.5 million facility will house the Center for Science and Innovation, acting as the central location for all of MCLA's science related programs.

"It's about preparing the whole person and not just for the workforce but for citizenship," Patrick said.

"For us this is just a perfect marriage of what we do well in a facility that will help shape the future, so this is a great day for MCLA," said Dr. Mary Grant, president, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

It's all about taking what they call the essence of a liberal arts education to the rest of Northern Berkshire County. A future they say, not only for students, but for the community as whole.

"Just the socioeconomic and education benefits this will bring not only to the campus but the community with shared resources," said Richard Alcombright, democrat, North Adams mayor.

Those shared resources are part of a regional move toward redefining the economic landscape, embracing bio-tech, nano-technology and health care as the economic future.

"We've been growing jobs in the commonwealth faster than any other 44 other states. That's not by accident and needs to happen in every corner of the commonwealth and I this building will help," Patrick said.

Construction on the 65,000 square foot facility will begin in 2013. Most of the money to build the center will come from a 2008 State higher education bond bill.