BALTIMORE -- Maryland's governor delivered a surprise announcement Wednesday during a scheduled event for a new building to house stem cell research.

Gov. Bob Ehrlich bucked the Republican Party line, announcing a multi-million-dollar proposal to fund stem cell research.

"In addition to funding the center, I'm proposing we fund the research as well -- $20 million worth for the first year," Ehrlich said. "Our stated goal is technology dominance."

The governor said the research will help develop therapies to repair damaged or diseased tissues.

Ehrlich's announcement came during an event to announce $13.5 million in state funding to build the Center for Regenerative Research at the University of Maryland-Baltimore campus. The governor said the center's research will poise the state to develop scientific advancements.

WBAL-TV 11 News reporter Barry Simms said the governor's announcement surprised even stem cell research advocates, who hosted a rally the day before to push for state funding.

Paralyzed former Loyola-Blakefield Jesuit School football player Van Brooks Jr. appeared at both news conferences. On Tuesday, Brooks pointed to the potential of the research.

On Wednesday, he said: "This will help me achieve my goal of walking, but it will also help a lot of other people. ... My main concern is that they put the money into the right research we need."

"We welcome the surprise announcement from the governor, coupled with House Bill 1, which has language that will ensure scientific integrity and ensure this money is given out on a scientific, peer-review basis. It's huge for the community," said Susan O'Brien, a stem cell research advocate.

Ehrlich said the Maryland Technology Development Corp., part of the state's economic development agency, would develop protocols for determining what research would be funded, including research on embryonic and adult stem cells.

The governor's announcement didn't come without fallout. To read more about how Ehrlich's announcement could affect proposed laws, click here.

Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and WBAL-TV 11 News for the latest Session 2006 updates.