A.1. Out of this appropriation, $8,000,000 the first year and $14,000,000 the second year from the general fund is designated for the Virginia Research Investment Fund. These funds shall be allocated in accordance with provisions established in House Bill 1343 of the 2016 General Assembly and shall be used to (i) promote research and development excellence in the Commonwealth; (ii) foster innovative and collaborative research, development, and commercialization efforts in projects and programs with a high potential for economic development and job creation opportunities; (iii) position the Commonwealth as a national leader in science-based and technology-based research, development, and commercialization; and (iv) to attract and recruit eminent researchers that enhance research superiority at public institutions of higher education.

2. In addition to the funding in this item, $29,000,000 the first year authorized in Item C-52.10 shall be made available to support the purchase of research equipment or laboratory renovations associated with researcher incentive packages and the translation of research into commercial use subject to the provisions established in House Bill 1343. Any institution of higher education or related research entity pursuing this funding must provide a match of an amount at least equal to the awarded funds.

B. The appropriation for this item is contingent on the passage of House Bill 1343 of the 2016 Session. If the bill should fail, the amounts appropriated in this item shall be transferred to Item 475 P. as part of the Revenue Reserve.