A wind-technology testing centre in Boston, Massachusetts, is poised to become a magnet for engineering and technology research and development posts, according to Robert Keough, spokesman for the Massachusetts executive office of energy and environmental affairs. On 12 May, the US Department of Energy announced a $25-million award in economic stimulus funding to the state to accelerate development of the centre. The Boston centre — the nation's first large-blade test facility — will analyse commercial-sized wind turbine blades more than 50 metres and up to 90 metres in length, Keough says. Ten technicians will work at the centre when construction is complete in 2010 and more job opportunities are likely, he says.