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Byrd Alzheimer's Center Seeks 'Survival Funding'

Associated Press file photo (2007)

The Byrd Center has survived this fiscal year on its own $16 million in savings, without a state appropriation.

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 9, 2009

Updated: 03/09/2009 06:52 pm

TAMPA - The Byrd Alzheimer's Center in Tampa is lobbying state leaders for "survival" funding to keep its lights on and research efforts going.

Last spring, state lawmakers eliminated a $13.5-million earmark for the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute amid controversy over the center's governance and spending decisions. Prior to a budget-cutting session in fall 2007, the center was receiving $15 million per year.

Since last spring, the center merged with the University of South Florida, with USF Medical School Dean Stephen Klasko doubling as chief executive officer of the Byrd Center. Byrd and USF officials are asking lawmakers this session to codify their merger in state statute.

That's not expected to brook much opposition, but the Byrd Center's request for renewed state funding – as much as $8 million -- may be a tough sell, as lawmakers bear the weight of unprecedented budget pressure.

Stripped of its state appropriation, the Byrd Center has survived this fiscal year on its own roughly $16 million in savings; of which about $7 million is expected to remain by year's end. In a meeting on Monday, USF and Byrd lobbyists told House Speaker Larry Cretul that the center needs nearly $2 million next year to maintain its building and operation.

"This is a survival package," said Klasko, who was not in the meeting but visited the Capitol on Monday with USF President Judy Genshaft. "We can't continue to operate with no funding."

To maintain its research staff and preserve its prestigious federal designation as an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, the Byrd Center will need more.

The National Institute on Aging awarded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center designation - and a $7.3 million grant - to a statewide research consortium led by the Byrd center in 2005. ADRC's must reapply every five years, and there are no guarantees of renewal.

Klasko said USF and the Byrd Center will have to apply for ADRC renewal this spring. If it cannot show a solid financial commitment from the state, he said, that federal support will be all-but impossible to win again.

Lack of stable revenue also makes it hard for the Byrd Center to recruit researchers, said John "Mac" Stipanovich, lobbyist for the University Medical Association. "People want to see some sort of commitment from the state."

Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, who oversees health care appropriations in the House, said funding for the Byrd Center is a priority – although how much, and from what source, remains uncertain.

"We're going to work very hard to make sure the Byrd Center keeps its doors open," he said. "We certainly don't (want) to lose that investment we've made."

Ambler said Tampa Bay-area lawmakers may tweak the USF-Byrd merger as they look for ways to stabilize the funding.

Cretul, who made no commitments, stressed the budget uncertainty looming at the Capitol. Lawmakers are expecting state analysts on Friday to confirm a budget shortfall upwards of $6 billion or more for the current year and coming fiscal years.

"We're all holding our breath," Cretul said.

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.

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