American Notes SCIENCE

The eager state contestants paraded themselves before the judges and touted their unique qualifications. No, it was not the Miss America pageant. The competitors were vying for the right to house the world's most advanced subatomic particle accelerator, a $4.4 billion project that will bring thousands of jobs and considerable prestige to the state that wins. Last week a joint committee of 21 scientists winnowed down the original 25 contestants to eight finalists: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Energy Secretary John Herrington will announce the preferred site next summer. A major hurdle remains, however: following last week's elimination of 17 states, proponents fear that congressional enthusiasm for the project may collide with efforts to reduce the budget.