Hydrogen fuel cells could be used to clean contaminated water left behind in storm-ravaged areas such as New Orleans and help keep hospitals and other businesses operating, said Kettering's K. Joel Berry, the university's go-to guy on fuel cell research.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert oxygen and hydrogen - stored at high pressure -into water. The process produces electricity.

"There are fuel cells that run on waste water contaminants," Berry said. "You can adapt them to contribute to the cleanup effort, and the fuel cells will provide you with clean water after processing."

It was revealed this week that the city and Flint-Genesee Economic Growth Alliance are working with the university to secure grant money for the 20,000-square-foot structure that will be known as the Advanced Technology and Renewable Energy building.

The mutli-million dollar building would be part of Kettering's long-awaited research technology park on 18-acres of former General Motors property on what is now a vacant parking lot off Bluff Street across from the campus.

Kettering opened a fuel cell center on campus in June that houses classrooms, test equipment and has several bays for students to do research on and work on hydrogen-powered vehicle technologies.

The planned research lab, which would manufacture fuel cells and develop related products, is expected to generate 35-40 jobs for starters.

It's the latest in a series of power moves by Kettering that are crucial in an effort to revitalize the Third Avenue and Flint River corridors, and connect Kettering to downtown and its other premier education institution - the University of Michigan-Flint.

"What's going on downtown is miraculous and everything that's going on here is related," said Dave Doherty, a Kettering vice president.

Said Berry: "It will completely revitalize this area going (toward) downtown, with new buildings and new technologies."

Alongside the planned fuel cell center, Kettering plans to locate a refueling center for the Mass Transportation Authority.

In April, the MTA agreed to fund construction of the refueling station next year, along with Kettering's three-year research of a single fuel cell-powered passenger bus. The project is contingent on securing grant money.

Student reaction Thursday ranged from excitement to cautious skepticism.

"I think it's really great for the school," said Scott Chapman, a junior mechanical engineering major, of the research park he's heard about since freshman year. "If it works that'll be great."

Anne Tholen, 22, a mechanical engineering major from Gaines Township, isn't sure it's the best idea if it's going to cause the university to raise tuition or become a financial liability.

"It probably would bring in more students because what's hot now is fuel cells," Tholen said. "I see the short term as great, but what happens in the long term if fuel cells are not feasible?

"Hydrogen is more expensive to make than the energy it produces. If they make the building so that it can be used for other things, OK. Otherwise what are we gonna do with all that?"