November 19, 2008
Washington, D.C.— H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act 2009, has been signed into law and includes funding for military projects in northeast and central Pennsylvania. Congressman Christopher P. Carney worked to secure federal funding for the following military projects:
Discovery Machine
Congressman Carney secured $1.2 million for Discovery Machine in Williamsport for their Domain Specific Knowledge Capture Interface (DSKCI) for military training exercises. This program will enable the Warfighter Sustainment Advanced Technology training program to capture the expertise of senior naval personnel for use in training exercises. “This innovative program will enable the next generation of training systems by embedding expertise in current training systems and it will provide significant cost-savings and capability enhancement for today’s military,” said Congressman Carney.
“We are delighted with Congressman Carney’s support and vision for dramatic increase in effectiveness of war fighter training. Discovery Machine, Inc. is dedicated to providing a 10x improvement over current training methods. Congressman Carney’s efforts will accelerate development and delivery of these solutions to our great partners in the navy,” said Anna Griffith, founder and CEO of Discovery Machine.
Bucknell University
Congressman Carney worked with Bucknell University in Lewisburg to secure $1.2 million for the UGV Mobility & Coordination in Joint Urban/Littoral Environments, which will focus on research and development for robots. Researchers at Bucknell University have unique expertise in the areas of robot design, dynamics, control, modeling, simulation, prototyping, experimentation and testing. They have previously developed a number of robot platforms including two reconfigurable robots that can balance on two wheels, four bipedal walking robots, several robot arms, and various robotic exoskeletons. This important work will contribute to the future operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of the United States in utilizing UGVs.
“I am proud to support Bucknell University’s innovations for UGVs that protect our Armed Services,” said Congressman Carney. “As a trained Predator Mission Commander, I know how important the robot platforms are to protecting our troops while controlling the situation on the ground.”
“Bucknell is grateful to Congressman Carney for recognizing the multiple benefits of this project to the U.S. military, citizens at large, Bucknell students, and the Central Pennsylvania economy,” said Bucknell University President Brian C. Mitchell. “Representative Carney sees clearly the enormous potential of Bucknell’s students and faculty in helping to drive economic progress and quality of life in the region.”
Snake Creek Lasers
Congressman Carney secured $2.4 million for Snake Creek Lasers in Hallstead, PA for the Manufacturing Technology Development of Advanced Components for High Power Solid-State Lasers. This continued funding will allow SCL to further develop advances made to-date on cryogenic laser and Adhesive-Free Bond (AFB®) component technology in support of major DoD programs for combat operations and Homeland Defense.
“I’ve been tremendously impressed with the work of Snake Creek Lasers, right here in Hallstead,” said Congressman Carney. “These cryogenic lasers are remarkable, cutting edge technology created right here in northeast Pennsylvania. Snake Creek continues to grow, bringing more jobs and economic development right here at home.”
Dr. David C. Brown, Manager of Snake Creek Lasers said, "Snake Creek Lasers welcomes and is grateful for the confidence and support Congressman Carney and his staff have shown in the company by securing further funding for our cryogenic laser development program. The new funding secured by Congressman Carney will enable Snake Creek to extend its present program which has produced a new world – record for continuous wave lasers to high average power ultrafast lasers that promise to revolutionize laser materials processing, micromachining, and military applications."
Ethos Gen
Congressman Carney secured $1.2 million for Ethos Gen in Dallas, PA, for their On-base Alternative Fuel Manufacturing System. The system consists of biomass feedstock production and processing for alternative fuels. EthosGen C-4 grass feedstock is produced in optimum environment structure and converted into ethanol for use in E85 transportation fuel. Reducing the military's dependence on fuel for power generation could reduce the number of road bound convoys and dangers to military personnel in transporting petroleum-based fuels.
“Ethos Gen is turning northeastern Pennsylvania into an energy corridor—using our existing resources to explore alternative energy and make us less dependent on foreign oil. Rather than burning food for fuel, Ethos Gen makes use of switchgrass, increasing the sugar content to turn it into ethanol. It’s this kind of ingenuity that contributes to Pennsylvania’s rich history as energy innovators and will lead us into the future,” said Congressman Carney.
“Congressman Carney and his staff have sought out innovative approaches to fuel cost savings and independence and we are pleased that they recognized EthosGen as such. The funding secured by the Congressman will ensure that our system, which is of national interest, will be further developed from NEPA. Unlike coal energy of the past which was produced on the backs of miners,
“EthosGen's technology has been fostered through the minds of our partner colleges and universities, King's College, University of Scranton and Keystone College. Congressman Carney understands that our current reliance on foreign countries for fossil fuels presents a clear and present threat to our security, environment and economy. As a Commander in United States Navy Reserves and visiting our troops in the battlespace, he understands that on-site alternative energy will limit the exposure our troops face in transporting traditional petroleum based fuels. Our upcoming project will demonstrate EthosGen’s breakthroughs to the federal government, national defense, as well as national energy companies who are looking to bring lower priced, cleaner fuel to consumers. This project signifies a "rebirth" of energy innovation Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Jim Abrams, Co-founder of EthosGen.
General Dynamics
Congressman Carney secured $1.92 million for General Dynamics in Scranton for their Electrical Substations Upgrade. The most critical and urgent shortfall in the Scranton Operations project list planned for FY 2009-2011 includes the Electrical Substations Upgrade – $2.4 Million and the funding we received will mitigate this shortfall.
“The Scranton Ammunition Plant is a critical source for ammunition upgrades for our men and women in combat. I was proud to secure federal funds for this project, which improves the capability of a bedrock company of Northeast Pennsylvania. It ensures that our area is integral in the war effort and the fight against terrorism, while giving much needed ammunition upgrades to our men and women in uniform” said Congressman Carney.
Honesdale Readiness Center
Congressman Carney fought to include money for the Honesdale Readiness Center, including $504,000 for design and $6,117,000 for construction and restoration. This project will design and construct alterations to approximately 22,339 SF of the existing Honesdale Readiness Center (RC) and design and construct an 11,578 SF addition. The Honesdale RC was built in 1977 and funding for this project will modernize the facility to suit today’s modern mission readiness training requirements and 55 HBCT support for Homeland Security operations. It will also bring the facility up to date with the latest health, safety, and facility codes.
“I fought to make sure more money is brought back home for our men and women in uniform,” said Congressman Carney. “As someone who still serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves, I understand the importance of both a modern Readiness Center and new Reserve Centers. These will make a tremendous contribution to our military and National Guard, as well as our own local community.”
L3 Communications
Congressman Carney secured $2 million for L3 Communications in Williamsport to develop Extremely High Frequency (EHF) Transmitter for WIN-T Satellite Communications.
“Our Army and Marine Corps have a demonstrated need for reliable, high speed communications systems in the war on terror,” said Congressman Carney. “Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan must have the ability to transmit tasking orders within minutes or even seconds rather than hours.” This funding will go toward completing the final engineering and manufacturing development phase of the EHF Transmitters.