Each year, I receive numerous requests for assistance obtaining federal funds from towns, cities, counties, universities, non-profit organizations and others throughout the 8th District. Below you will find more information about projects I requested on their behalf that have been approved for federal funding.
FY 2009 Projects
Center for Mathematics Education Initiative
Project Description: The funds will be used for a pilot program that aims to improve math curriculum and instruction for middle and high school classes in Vincennes.
Requested By: Indiana State University
Amount: $95,000
Conservation Park Programs for Environmental Research
Project Description: The funds will be used for student and faculty training at the Vectren Conservation Park.
Requested By: University of Evansville
Amount: $300,000
Evansville Neighborhood Revitalization Project
Project Description: The funds will be used to renovate and revitalize housing in Evansville's oldest neighborhood.
Requested By: City of Evansville
Amount: $237,500
Gibson General Hospital Emergency Room Expansion
Project Description: The funds will to be used to expand the capacity of its emergency room; enhancing patient care and strengthening community disaster preparedness.
Requested By: Gibson General Hospital
Amount: $200,000
Indiana Teen Challenge Relapse Prevention Program
Project Description: The program provides literacy, professional and interviewing skills training to help residents become self-sufficient and graduate as productive members of their communities.
Requested By: Indiana Teen Challenge
Amount: $143,000
Mobile Data Computer Program
Project Description: The funds will be used to improve radio and computer systems for first responders. Specifically, to upgrade communications infrastructure, purchase new mobile and portable radios, and acquire a new mobile field reporting system for local law enforcement.
Requested By: Warrick County Board of Commissioners
Amount: $300,000
Patoka National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition
Project Description: The funds will be used to begin acquiring 1150 acres of additional land near the Refuge.
Requested By: Patoka National Wildlife Refuge
Amount: $500,000
Specialty Crops, Research, Extension and Teaching Center (SWPAC)
Project Description: The funding would be used to increase the SWPAC staff and upgrade equipment for the Center, resulting in increased educational opportunities in production, processing and marketing for Vincennes students, regional producers and their employees. In addition, the Center would offer technical assistance to potential producers and processors in local communities.
Requested By: Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center
Amount: $235,000
STEM Teaching Improvement Institute
Project Description: The Institute is designed to better prepare K-12 teachers to teach mathematics, science and technology to local students.
Requested By: University of Southern Indiana
Amount: $95,000
Stonehaven Sanitary Sewer System
Project Description: The funds will be used to install a gravity sanitary sewer main and lines for the Stonehaven community, near Boonville.
Requested By: Warrick County Board of Commissioners
Amount: $500,000
Terre Haute Innovation Alliance Incubator and Accelerator
Project Description: The funds will be used to assist the Innovation Alliance in its mission to provide technical assistance to start-up technology companies in the Wabash Valley.
Requested By: Indiana State University
Amount: $196,514
Terre Haute Railroad Relocation Initiative
Project Description: The funds will be used for the planning and design of the railroad track relocation initiative. The initiative will increase public safety, reduce traffic congestion and spur local economic development.
Requested By: City of Terre Haute
Amount: $475,000
University Parkway Construction
Project Description: The funds will be used to construct the first portion of the University Parkway between Marx Road and State Road 66. When completed, the project will connect State Road 62 and State Road 66 with a divided four lane roadway and provide Vanderburgh County residents with a safer, more direct route to the University of Southern Indiana.
Requested By: Vanderburgh County Commission
Amount: $760,000
USI Business and Engineering Center
Project Description: The funds will be used to purhcase advanced manufacturing and engineering equipment. The funding will help ensure USI graduates have the cutting-edge training and skills Indiana businesses need to compete in the global economy.
Requested By: University of Southern Indiana
Amount: $951,000
USI Campus Perimeter Road System
Project Description: The funds will be used to construct a perimeter roadway to reduce traffic in the center of the USI campus and improve traffic flow from State Highway 62 and University Parkway. In addition, the project will result in improved intersections, wider travel lanes, pedestrian bridges and crosswalks to improve pedestrian and motorist safety.
Requested By: Vanderburgh County Commission
Amount: $522,500
Vincennes University Advanced Manufacturing Program
Project Description: The funds will be used to purchase advanced manufacturing technology and equipment at VU's Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics. The funding will help ensure VU graduates have the cutting-edge training and skills Indiana businesses need to compete in the global economy.
Requested By: Vincennes University
Amount: $381,000
Youth First Prevention Project
Project Description: The funds will be used to provide salaries, training, supervision, and materials for up to 40 social workers to help local at-risk youth and their families prevent substance abuse.
Requested By: Youth First, Inc
Amount: $300,000
FY 2008 Projects
Mt. Auburn Sanitary Sewer System
Project Description: The funds will be used to install a gravity sanitary sewer main and lines for the Mt. Auburn neighborhood.
Requested By: The City of Evansville
Amount: $500,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for Mt. Auburn Sanitary Sewer System Approved
Center for Business Development
Project Description: The funds will be used to support a Center for Business Development there. The City has formed a partnership with Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to develop and grow small businesses and increase innovation-based job opportunities in the region. The Center will further strengthen this partnership.
Requested By: The City of Terre Haute
Amount: $500,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request Designed to Grow Businesses and Bring Jobs to West-Central Indiana Approved
USI Advanced Engineering Lab Equipment
Project Description: The funds will be used to equip the new College of Business and Engineering Building with state-of-the-art engineering equipment. USI's engineering program is one of only two state-supported programs in Indiana.
Requested By: The University of Southern Indiana
Amount: $750,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for USI Advanced Engineering Laboratory Equipment Approved
Ohio River Transportation Infrastructure
Project Description: The funds will be used to extend the John T. Myers lock chamber to 1,200 feet and allow the facility to manage tow traffic without significant delays.
Amount: $1,000,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request to Improve Ohio River Transportation Infrastructure Approved
Rose-Hulman STEM Program
Project Description: The funds will be used to create a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Immersion Initiative designed to improve students' aptitude in these subjects. The program will target motivated students in the Terre Haute area and will include a one-to-one mentoring program pairing participants with trained Rose-Hulman students, access to the Rose-Hulman operated homework hotline, and participation in "Operation Catapult," a three-week program for High School seniors designed to prepare them for enrollment at Rose-Hulman.
Requested By: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Amount: $195,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for Rose-Hulman Program to Improve Hoosier Students' Science and Math Proficiency Approved
Mt. Vernon Riverfront Plaza Redevelopment
Project Description: The funds will be used to construct a riverfront plaza and trail to encourage tourism and promote the city's proximity to the Ohio River. The project will include development of the plaza, streetscape, and a pedestrian and bicycle pathway along the river.
Requested By: The City of Mt. Vernon
Amount: $50,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for Mt. Vernon Riverfront Plaza Redevelopment Project Approved
Alhambra Theater Restoration
Project Description: The funds will be used for the restoration of Alhambra Theater, the oldest historical theater in Vanderburgh County. The theater will be part of the Haynie's Corner Arts District, a 2006 City initiative to support Evansville businesses in the arts and entertainment field and promote economic development in deteriorating neighborhoods near downtown.
Requested By: The City of Evansville
Amount: $200,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request to Promote Economic Development by Restoring Alhambra Theater Approved
University Parkway Construction
Project Description: The funds will be used to construct the first portion of the University Parkway between Marx Road and State Road 66. When completed, the project will connect State Road 62 and State Road 66 with a divided four lane roadway and provide Vanderburgh County residents with a safer, more direct route to the University of Southern Indiana.
Requested By: The Vanderburgh County Commission
Amount: $ 350,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for University Parkway Construction Approved
USI Campus Perimeter Road System
Project Description: The funds will be used to construct a perimeter roadway to reduce traffic in the center of the USI campus and improve traffic flow from State Highway 62 and University Parkway. In addition, the project will result in improved intersections, wider travel lanes, pedestrian bridges and crosswalks to improve pedestrian and motorist safety.
Requested By: The University of Southern Indiana
Amount: $350,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for USI Campus Perimeter Road System Approved
Terre Haute Emergency Communications Equipment
Project Description: The funds will be used to purchase communications equipment for first responders and law enforcement officials and facilitate coordination between city, county, and state emergency personnel.
Requested By: The City of Terre Haute
Amount: $719,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request to Upgrade Terre Haute Emergency Communications Equipment Approved
Vanderburgh County Emergency Warning Sirens
Project Description: The funds will be used to install nine outdoor emergency warning sirens. The sirens will be used to alert residents of approaching severe weather, hazardous material spills, and other emergencies requiring widespread communication to the public.
Requested By: The Vanderburgh County Commission
Amount: $126,900
More Information: Ellsworth Request for Vanderburgh County Emergency Warning Sirens Approved
Meals Ready to Eat for U.S. Troops
Project Description: The funds will be used to upgrade High Pressure Packaging capabilities at Ameriqual, an Evansville-based company that employs about 700 people and the largest producer of MREs for the Department of Defense. Extremely high pressure eliminates harmful bacteria and microorganisms without the use of heat, resulting in a higher quality product and extended shelf life of MRE components like fruits and vegetables.
Requested By: AmeriQual
Amount: $3,200,000
More Information: Ellsworth Secures Funds to Improve Quality and Food Safety of MREs for U.S. Troops
Crane Emerging/Critical Interconnection Technology Program
Project Description: The funds will be used at Crane NSWC in the continued development of Printed Circuit Board manufacturing capabilities, including establishing the criteria, protocols and procedures to meet the unique security requirements of the Department of Defense. The project is part of Crane's E/CIT program to ensure the military has a center focused on the latest American-based Printed Circuit Board technology, processes and equipment essential to our national security. This center provides a variety of critical functions including reverse engineering, repair, and research and development of technologies.
Requested By: Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center
Amount: $800,000
More Information: Ellsworth Secures Funds for Crane Naval Warfare Center
Crane High Power Fiber Laser
Project Description: The funds will be used to develop a High Power Fiber Laser prototype at Crane NSWC. The prototype would lead to a system to provide war fighters protection against surface-launched and air-to-air InfraRed guided missiles.
Requested By: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology & Science Applications International Corporation
Amount: $1,600,000
More Information: Ellsworth Secures Funds for Crane Naval Warfare Center
Vincennes University Drive Indiana
Project Description: The funds will be used to provide simulation-based training for heavy equipment operators in surface and underground mining. The project aims to address current and future Indiana labor shortages for trained miners.
Requested By: Vincennes University
Amount: $365,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for VU Drive Indiana Project Approved
Union Hospital Telemedicine Program
Project Description: The funds will be used to create RuralHouseCalls.com, a telemedicine program designed to provide patients with doctor consultations through a low-cost, secure, virtual exchange system. The program aims to provide increased access to quality health care for residents of rural areas.
Requested By: Union Hospital
Amount: $195,000
More Information: Ellsworth Request for New Union Hospital Telemedicine Program Approved
