Defense bill has impact on Fayette operations
The Defense Appropriations Conference Committee has agreed on a compromise version of the 2007 Defense Appropriation that includes funding for several important national programs that are managed or manufactured by companies or institutions in Fayette County, said U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown). The bill is expected to be approved by the House and Senate and sent to the White House for the President’s signature.
“These programs are vital to our national security and to our troops in the field,” Murtha said. “The companies and universities in our area, as well as their employees, are rightfully proud of the work they do to support our troops with quality products at competitive prices.”
Included in the bill are:
Fayette County
? Advanced Acoustic Concepts, North Union Township, to develop a defense system that can track multiple weapons and cue naval surface ship counter measure systems
? Argon ST, Lemont Furnace, information technology and communications enhancements, and development of torpedo countermeasures
? Coherent Systems, Uniontown and Windber, research and development for electronic warfare systems for the Navy
? ProLogic, Uniontown, multiple information management systems and communications integration programs
? QTL Biosystems, Connellsville, hand-held biosensor and continuous monitor for biodetector
? Shumar Industries, Grindstone, Tactical Fifth Wheel Trailers with various configurations for communications, environmental control and power generation
Murtha also worked to direct funding to area colleges and universities for projects that benefit the military. Schools that will receive funding under the bill are as follows:
California University of Pennsylvania in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University – continued work on development of a robotics curriculum within the engineering discipline at the undergraduate level
The Pennsylvania State University – working with the Electro Optics Center in Armstrong County, development of an urban terrain mapping system in conjunction with the Marine Corps Research University, and at the University Park and Uniontown campuses, improvements to the Anti-torpedo Torpedo Multi-Mission Undersea Weapon, to continue a partnership with the U.S. Air Force on coal-based jet fuel, and a program to aid the Department of Defense in non-lethal technology research, development, testing and training