Oregon’s biotech community will soon have access to four wet labs, where early stage companies can test and analyze chemicals and drugs.

The Portland Development Commission voted Wednesday to spend $800,000 to retrofit and add wet labs to Portland State University’s Business Accelerator, at 2828 S.W. Corbett Ave.

Construction will begin in March.

With $1.2 million in bioscience funding still not allocated, the PDC will likely ultimately authorize another two wet labs at the site, said Gerald Baugh, business and industry manager for the agency.

These six small private labs will range in size from 165 square feet to 400 square feet, and will lease for approximately $1,000 to $1,600 per month.

A 2008 report by the Oregon Bioscience Association determined that a shortage of wet lab space in the metro area has constrained growth of the sector. Developing these spaces is often beyond the financial resources of young startups.

The project is being funded through the North Macadam Urban Renewal District tax-increment financing program, which has dedicated $3.5 million to bioscience spending to be overseen by Oregon Health & Science University and the PDC.

Of that total, $1.5 million is going directly to OHSU to fund its bioscience programs. PDC and OHSU ultimately teamed with Portland State University, which offers coaching and space to young companies through its Business Accelerator program.