December 22, 2005

Oregon to Receive Federal Fundsfor Oregon Nanotechnology, Defense Projects

Wyden, Smith advocated funds for projects in FY 2006 Defense Appropriations legislation

WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced that Oregon will soon receive $67.3 million in funding for defense-related projects in Oregon, including significant funding for a number of Oregon nanotechnology projects. The state will also share in $10.2 million for semiconductor research. These funds are included in the FY2006 Defense appropriations conference report, which now moves to the White House for signature into law.Oregon nanotechnology research creates jobs in Oregon today and many more in the future, while boosting our national security, said Wyden. The Federal dollars approved in this bill will support Oregon business and research efforts to keep our states important defense contributions coming.Our soldiers will spend the holidays defending America and we serve them best by providing the resources and equipment they need, said Smith. Oregon firms play an important role in supplying technology and support for our troops fighting the War on Terror.The projects that would receive funding are as follows:" The Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) would receive $2.5 million for the Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative." ONAMI would also receive $1.7 million for the safer nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing program." ONAMI would also receive $1.5 million for the development of miniature tactical energy systems." Oregon Health and Science University would receive $1.5 million for its Nanotechnology and Health Care center to boost nanotech research efforts across a variety of disciplines." Freightliner, based in Portland, would share in $6 million to continue its program of replacing M915 linehaul tractors." AVI BioPharma in Portland and Corvallis would receive $3 million for the development of technology to test for and find therapeutic agents for the Dengue Virus. The company would also receive $3 million for the development of technology to test for and find therapeutic agents for the Ebola Virus, $3 million for the development of technology to test for and find therapeutic agents for the Marburg Virus, as well as $2 million for the development of technology to test for and find therapeutic agents for the Anthrax and Ricin toxins." FLIR Systems, based in Wilsonville, would also receive a total of $5.5 million to improve aircraft thermal imaging systems used in search and rescue operations and to improve flight safety." Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation of Hood River would receive $5.2 million for Transportable Transponder Landing Systems to improve the safety, accuracy and reliability of Air Force and Navy operations." The Metals Affordability Initiative Consortium would receive $5 million for research, testing and development of technologies to improve military war fighting capabilities through advanced metallurgy, while increasing the cost-effectiveness of such technologies." HemCon of Tigard would receive $5 million for the further development of the chitosan hemorrhage control dressing." IdaTech of Bend would receive $3.6 million to develop smaller and lighter fuel cell technology suitable for military applications." Oregon Iron Works would receive $3 million for the continued development of the Unmanned Force Augmentation System program." The American Blimp Corporation would receive $2.5 million for continued research and development of the advanced airship flying laboratory." Blacktoe Corporation in Portland would receive $2 million for the research and development of a portable, finger-mounted ultrasound probe that uses Doppler and imaging technology to be used by Army medical personnel in the field." InSport in Beaverton would receive $2 million for the development of cold weather clothing and equipment for Marine Corps expeditionary forces personnel." The University of Oregons Brain, Biology and Machine Science Initiative would receive $2 million for interdisciplinary research related to cognitive neuroscience, genetics research, and informatics." The Rockwell Collins facility in Portland would receive $2 million to install the Global Air Traffic Management system in Air Force KC-135s." Oregon Aero of Scappoose would receive $1.3 million for BLSS Kit retrofit systems, which enhance helmet ballistic protection, comfort, buoyancy, stability and inter-operability with other systems and equipment." Armor Systems International would receive $1 million for the design and development of a Rocket Propelled Grenade Vehicle Protection system." Digimarc of Beaverton would receive $1 million for the research and development of a real-time geospatial video sensor, allowing the information collected to be directly available for instant retrieval on the battlefield." MacSema, Inc. of Bend will receive $ 1 million to develop a web-based serial number tracking system for the U.S. Navy." Oregon Medical Laser Center of Portland will receive $1 million to continue research and development of tissue repair technology for battlefield injuries." The national Semiconductor Focus Center will receive $10.2 million for critical semiconductor research activities to support defense needs; Oregon facilities will share in a portion of this funding.