The Nation - News from Feb. 24, 1989

India has agreed to provide $50 million toward the super collider atom smasher, making it the first foreign nation to commit funds to the $4.6-billion project, a Texas congressman reported. Officials of Japan, Taiwan, Korea and several Western European nations have held preliminary cost-sharing discussions with U.S. officials, Republican Rep. Joe L. Barton told the energy research and development subcommittee of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. Barton’s district includes the proposed site for the super collider. Last year, Italy signed an agreement to explore collaboration on the project, but India is the first country to make a commitment. President Bush has endorsed the super collider and recommended spending $250 million in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 toward initial construction.