FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Eastern Kentucky University is planning a research center aimed at developing fuel from non-edible plants.

The school in Richmond is joining up with California-based General Atomics to create a new Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies. General Atomics is known for producing the unmanned Predator aircraft.

Researchers at EKU will be studying ways to make fuel from cellulose-based materials, such as switchgrass or sorghum.

Gov. Steve Beshear said during a news conference on Monday that the state is planning to contribute about $1.5 million toward the project. It will also receive about $4 million in federal funding.