Washington State University is dedicating the site for its Wine Science Center Friday at the Tri-Cities campus.

The Tri-City Herald reports ( http://is.gd/W0Sqkd) the city of Richland is directing the $23 million project on Port of Benton land through a public development authority. Construction starts next year.

The center will be turned over to WSU for research into growing grapes and making wine.

Gov. Chris Gregoire is one of the officials attending the dedication. Her office says she's also visiting Walla Walla Friday to meet with winery owners and workers and see grapes being crushed.

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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com