Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas secured funding in legislation that cleared the U.S. House today that will provide $800,000 toward the development of a sensor testing laboratory in Ponca City.  The facility will allow Oklahoma State University researchers to test sensors designed to detect potential terrorist attacks. 

“These sensors will serve at the front lines of the Global War on Terrorism, detecting terrorist threats and attacks in order to save untold lives,” Lucas said. “Congress has no greater responsibility than to secure the homeland, and this project will help our military and first responders do just that.”

The public-private collaboration will create a facility to test and evaluate sensors developed by private companies or university researchers to ensure they meet the qualifications and specifications to be used for defense and homeland security applications.  The laboratory will perform testing, integration, and commercialization of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive sensors. 

“The goal is to take these cutting-edge technologies from the laboratory to the field,” Lucas said, “so that we can improve our abilities to detect potential terrorist threats, both in the field of battle and here at home.”

ConocoPhillips has donated a facility located in Ponca City for the laboratory, which is currently being renovated to meet the project specifications.

Project researchers will collaborate with the U.S. military, including Special Operations forces, along with other federal authorities, to ensure the sensor technology is implemented effectively. 

The funding was included as part of the fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill, which passed the U.S. House today by a vote of 400 to 15.  Lucas helped secure $1.5 million for the project last year and $1 million in fiscal year 2006.