SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-(May 31, 2005)-Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt has worked to secure $22.234 million for four major defense projects for Springfield and Joplin. Two thirds of the funding is found in the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1815) for Fiscal Year 2006. In addition, the measure qualifies Southwest Missouri State University's Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) for an additional $20 million in competitive grants for continued research and development of new biological and chemical decontamination systems.
"Hi-tech research and development companies based in Springfield and Joplin will have the opportunity to continue their work in defense of our nation," Blunt said. "These projects are important to nurturing the growing defense research base that is taking root in Springfield and Joplin, which offers good jobs in highly sophisticated technologies."
Blunt ensured that Crosslink-a partner in CASE-compete for $20 million in defense research funds in H.R. 1815. The Fenton, Missouri-based company is working to produce self-decontaminating fabric materials that resist exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents. Their work offers the promise of manufacturing polymer-based coatings for fabrics and other materials that are superior to current decontamination techniques.
The remaining funding is in the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2006 (H.R.2528), approved by the House of Representatives. It includes $8.234 million to begin construction of the Missouri National Guard Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) at Springfield-Branson Regional Airport. AVCRAD personnel work on helicopters from a 14 state region. Many of the aircraft are larger than the current building can accommodate, requiring the $60 million replacement, which could begin this fall.
Wednesday, Blunt will also announce defense authorizations for more than $14 million in defense contracts with three companies in Joplin.
The Military Quality of Life Appropriations Bill passed the House Thursday, 425-1. The House adopted the National Defense Authorization Act Wednesday by a vote of 390-39. Both H.R. 1815 and H.R. 2528 require Senate consideration later this year.
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