SSC CHRONOLOGY

1984: Research begins on the Superconducting Super Collider.

1987: President Reagan and Congress back construction of the SSC.

1988: Project is awarded to Texas after bidding war with 25 other states.

1990: Estimated construction costs soar from $5.9 billion to $8.25 billion.

1992: Construction begins in Waxahachie, Texas.

1993: Project is 20 percent completed. About $1.7 billion has been spent and 2,000 people are employed.

2001: Project expected to be finished, at an estimated cost of $11 billion to $15 billion.