Douglas County commissioners say an upcoming study of biosciences potential could be worth the $6,030 price.

Commissioners tentatively agreed Monday to help finance a $24,000 project to gauge the existing and potential effects of a burgeoning life-sciences industry in the Lawrence area.

KU’s Policy Research Institute will conduct the study, expected to take three months.

The cost is being shared by the county, city of Lawrence, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Kansas University.

Chamber officials say the study will be used to help foster life-sciences developments in the area, and to guide community decisions about how to make them happen.

Commissioners said they would approve the financing next week, after chamber officials have had a chance to further clarify the purpose of the study.

“It’s hard to figure out what answers we’re buying,” said Charles Jones, commission chairman.