OMAHA, Neb. -- University of Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said a federal research facility focused on renewable energy could be the first building to go up on land that UNL has yet to possess.

The land is the current spot of the state fair, which is moving to Grand Island by 2010.

A spokesman for Sen. Ben Nelson said $1.4 million in federal funds had already been pledged toward the $50 million facility.