Source: The Associated Press

AUBURN, Ala. -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology has announced it is awarding a $14.4 million grant to Auburn University for the construction of a new scientific research facility.  

The grant, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is one of four announced Monday that total more than $55 million. Other universities getting grants are Miami, Rice and North Carolina Wilmington.

The laboratories will research a broad range of topics including the study of improved construction techniques to reduce hurricane losses.

The planned 68,000-square-foot center at Auburn is expected to be completed by spring 2012.