Although this is a positive sign, it was expected, said Geoff Koch, spokesman for the Cyclotron.

“What’s significant is it’s the first budget under (President Barack Obama’s) administration submitted by the DOE,” Koch said. “It’s on track, but it’s great to know we’re in there — it’s a priority.”

The money will be used for planning and research in preparation for FRIB’s tentative construction date in 2013, he said.

The DOE selected MSU as the site for FRIB in December 2008, after competing against the federally funded Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois.

FRIB will allow researchers to study rare forms of atoms, called isotopes. It will accelerate a beam of stable isotopes and smash it into a thin, stationary target. As the beam passes through the target, it will create rare forms of the atoms, Koch said.

One of the next milestones will be the announcement of the agreement — or contract — between MSU and the DOE, which is expected in the next couple of weeks, Koch said.

MSU spokesman Kent Cassella said the increase in funding shows the focus on research at MSU.

“Because this is a multiyear project, this is just the next step,” Cassella said. “A very positive next step.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, said the increase in funding is the first step in making FRIB operational.

“This is really that first phase of design and research and getting the project going,” Rogers said. “I look at this as a small down payment for the FRIB moving forward. It’s very important — it shows continuing commitment to FRIB and the science that will be generated.”

Rogers also said he doesn’t expect any problems in the approval of the $2 million.

“I think that part (of the budget) is pretty well established — it goes through the Department of Energy,” Rogers said. “Even in intense budget debates, I think we’re going to be fine when it comes to this part in the budget.”

Koch said he already has seen a possible impact from FRIB by way of the acceptance rate for graduate students.

“Like 80 percent of people we offered spots to and fellowships accepted,” he said. “There’s already some indication that it’s already paying benefits as far as people who want to come and study here. We’ve already been sort of most proud of that — that we do great science and we’ve done great science for a long time and we have a future.”

The public will have a chance to tour the current facility and view science demonstrations from 1 to 5 p.m on June 13.