It took more than a year for Gov. Deval Patrick to get this $1 billion life sciences bill through the legislature, but he finally got it through—with a few added earmarks along the way—and in time for this year’s big BIO conference in San Diego. According to the Globe, the state Senate passed the bill and Patrick will likely sign it into law on Monday.

Gone from the bill is the earmark for a science center at a liberal arts college that has no science graduate programs. But others remain, like roadway improvements in Framingham and along I93. UMass Worcester, Amhert and Lowell will get new research/biomanufacturing facilities and Tufts Veterinary Medical School will receive $9.5 for its biosafety lab.

Keep an eye on this site for news about the state matching grants programs for life science research, as this bill gets passed and more money for these grants becomes available over time.