Wyden, Smith Secure Over $50 Million for Oregon Defense Projects
Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Oregon Defense Projects
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved over $50 million in funding for defense-related projects in Oregon. These funds are now included in the FY2008 Defense spending bill, which must now be approved by the full Senate.
"These projects are proof positive that Oregon can lead the way when it comes to the research and development of cutting-edge technology," said Wyden. "These funds will not only provide a boost to our local economy, they will give our troops the tools they need to get the job done and get home safely."
"Oregon is truly a national leader in the growing field of nanotechnology," said Smith. "The technologies and products created through new investments have important functions in saving lives, in national defense, and for civilian use. This investment also sustains jobs ensuring Oregon's economy continues to grow."
The projects that would receive funding are as follows:
- Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) would receive a total of $9 million in three programs:
- $4 million for the safer nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing program.
- $2.5 million for the Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative.
- $2.5 million for the miniature tactical energy systems development program.
- Rockwell Collins in Portland would receive $9 million for the procurement of avionics to bring aircraft into compliance with the new Global Air Traffic Management system.
- Insitu, Inc. of Arlington would receive $4 million for testing and evaluation of an unmanned aircraft system.
- Oregon Biomedical Engineering Institute of Portland would receive $4 million for research into the use of soldiers' own bone marrow stem cells in the repair of tissues damaged in battlefield injuries.
- Oregon Iron Works, Inc. of Clackamas would receive $3 million for the development of a low-signature modular weapon platform.
- Vital Apparel / InSport in Salem and Portland would receive $3 million for the procurement of base layer clothing for Marine personnel.
- Advanced Navigation & Positioning Corporation of Hood River would receive $3 million to upgrade and implement a system which will allow all types of military aircraft to land safely in any terrain and in severe weather conditions.
- American Blimp Corporation of Hillsboro would receive $2 million for the continuation of a testing program aimed at refining sensor systems aboard the Advanced Airship Flying Laboratory.
- Lektro, Inc. of Warrenton would receive $3 million to research alternative fuel sources for aviation tugs - vehicles that tow airplanes - including hydrogen-powered Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells.
- The University of Oregon's Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative (BBMI) would receive $2 million for interdisciplinary research related to cognitive neuroscience, genetics research, and informatics.
- Armor Systems International of Tualatin would receive $1 million to develop a system to protect vehicles from hostile rocket propelled grenades.
- SAM Medical Products of Newport and Tigard would receive $1 million to support research and development of a new chitosan-based material which stops bleeding by serving as a clotting agent.
- The Metals Affordability Initiative Consortium would receive $5 million for research into metals technology, casting, forging, computational technologies, laser technology, and fuel savings. Contracts with the consortium are awarded on a competitive basis. Several Oregon companies may share the funds.
- $7 million would go to support the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP). The program funds centers across the country which provide assistance to small businesses seeking Defense and other federal agency contracts. The centers will serve as a resource for Oregon small business owners seeking federal funds. Oregon will receive a portion of these funds.
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