In addition to expanding the electronic scanning and indexing of documents, the new project will include developing a field application to be deployed jointly by the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage commissions on hand-held GPS computers. The field application will be used to assess highway construction sites and collect data required to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act. The project will also upgrade the existing document management infrastructure and database deployed in 2001. The new services total just under $400,000. PlanGraphics has headquarters in Frankfort, Ky., as well as a regional office in Rhode Island.

Law firm to invest $1M in New England tech companies

BOSTON – The Boston law firm of Nutter McClennen & Fish will invest $1 million in the high-technology and life sciences sectors in New England through its TechnOvation Awards program.

The awards will be given to select early-stage life sciences and technology companies through a grant for legal services. Companies would have access to legal services offered by Nutter, as well as the firm’s business contacts. “The technology and life sciences sectors are critical to the economic growth and competitiveness of the state and region,” said Michael Mooney, managing partner of Nutter McClennen & Fish, in a release.

Applicants for the award will be accepted on a rolling basis. The award of legal services credit does not create financial obligations to Nutter and award recipients are not required to grant equity in their company. The firm said the grants are made in the spirit of mirroring investments made by state governments.