Niagara College is receiving close to 700 thousand in funding from the federal government.

Niagara Falls M-P and Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announcing the money will go to the Niagara Food, Culinary and Beverage Innovation Centre.

Nicholson says Canada's colleges play an important role as his government forges ahead with its innovation agenda

The funding will provide students and businesses with an opportunity to undertake resarch projects, boost regional economic development and training for graduates.