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Dear constituents,
Below, please find requests on behalf of my constituents to the House Committee on Appropriations for fiscal year 2010.
In these troubled economic times, federal support for important local projects is more crucial than ever. This year my office received over a hundred requests for funding from constituents in the 1st Congressional District, totaling over $623 million of dollars. However, much like your family budget, the federal government’s resources are limited, so we will only be asking for a small fraction of the total requests we received.
I am careful to fully vet all projects before seeking funds to ensure that taxpayer funds are spent wisely. The funds represented by these projects would have been spent at the discretion of federal agencies in the same amount if these specific allocations had not been made. As such, these projects do not contribute to the national debt.
In order to reduce the number of request received, I have worked with my staff to make difficult decisions prioritizing requests based on the following criteria:
Which projects have the greatest impact stimulating the economy of our region and creating jobs,
Cost-effectiveness of the proposals,
Level of public need for the project,
Demonstrated local and state support the project had already garnered
Matching funds provided by state and local governments and other entities
In addition, my staff and I have carefully examined each of these requests and have consulted with the agency in question to make sure the request is compliant with the agency’s larger mission to the public.
Of the projects that we are requesting, the Appropriations Committee will further winnow down the list through their own vetting process to help ensure that that worthy projects across the country receive funds federal support.
Alongside the Washington state delegation in Congress, I will work with the Committee and constituents here in the First CD to advance these priorities and I am hopeful that they will find these projects to be good candidates for federal support.
As always, please contact my office if you have any questions. I can best be reached at jay.inslee@mail.house.gov or (206) 361-0233.
Thank you.
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee
FY 2010 APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS
Community Transit Buses
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Snohomish County Public Transportation Benefit Area
7100 Hardeson Road
Everett, WA 98203
The amount of the request:
$3,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request will fund the purchase of thirty 40ft. buses. These buses will be used for local routes and will operate within Snohomish and King County. These buses are replacement buses that were to be integrated into the 2008 bus replacement schedule.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Currently, Washington state, like many states across the nation, are facing challenges in a variety of areas including congestion and increases in fuel prices. Efforts to combat these problems are focused on heightened use of mass transit. However, transit agencies are struggling with operational deficit’s that make it difficult just to maintain current service levels. If we want to keep transportation flowing in our region, aiding economic opportunities to end the recession, it is important that we continue to provide safe and reliable public transportation.
FSR 522 Eastbound Off-Ramp to NE 195th Street Signalization Project
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Washington State Department of Transportation
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7024
The amount of the request:
$1,500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This project will make signal and lane improvements to the off ramp at the SR 522 and NE 195th Street interchange. Completion of this project will improve intersection operations by coordinating the new and existing signals on NE 195th Street and will also improve operations at the NE 195th Street/Woodinville – Snohomish Road intersection by addition of a dedicated right turn lane.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Traffic congestion across the U.S. increased nearly 2% in 2007 while Seattle, Washington ranked 9th in a list of the most congested metropolitan areas in the U.S. In order to spur economic development in this region and lift this economy out of a recession, it is vitally important to be able to continue to move goods and services throughout this region.
The SR 5-22 Eastbound Off-Ramp to NE 195th Street Signalization Project was ranked third in a statewide survey of needed signalization projects as traffic at this interchange has long been a problem. This project will not only reduce emissions while saving individuals time and money, it will also improve public safety as by eliminating the mainline queuing at the eastbound off-ramp of SR 522 and will increase mobility which will aid in the transport of good as services vital to keep the economy moving.
Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center Property Acquisition and Facility Improvements
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Snohomish County
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Dawson Place seeks to purchase the Old Federal Building in downtown Everett, WA, to provide a permanent home for its services to sexually and physically abused children and their families/caregivers. The former Federal Building is a unique facility – perfectly situated to meet these needs.
Dawson Place co-locates five agencies that sexually and physically abused children (birth to 18 years old) in Snohomish County. This facility also serves adult victims of sexual assault. To all, Dawson Place provides medical exams, community advocacy, preventive education, mental health counseling, child forensic interviews, child protective services, and law enforcement investigation services
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Approximately 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men were sexually abused when they were children. Most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims; approximately 30% are relatives of the child; around 60% are other acquaintances such as friends of the family, babysitters, or neighbors; strangers are the offenders in approximately 10% of child sexual abuse cases. Dawson Place seeks to help those suffering from sexually and physically abused children and their families. It is important to help Dawson Place carry out this mission.
Kingston Village Green and Community Center
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Kitsap County Parks and Recreation
614 Division Street, MS – 1
Port Orchard, WA 98366
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request would fund construction of the Kingston Village Green Community Center, a 24,000 square foot center located within a 14 acre county park. This facility will house a new and expanded Kitsap Regional Library, a seniors’ activities center, Boys & Girls Club, recreational and health facilities, a commercial kitchen, public meeting rooms and historical and cultural displays.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
To strengthen our communities and promote health through recreation, this nation must invest in community centers such as the Kingston Village green Community Center to establish a safe and conveniently located place to pursue such activities. This center will provide all-ages educational, recreational, health, social and intergenerational programs for the unincorporated region of the greater Kingston area. The offerings planned for the community center will do much to serve the unmet needs of this area including before and after school programs for children; fitness, enrichment and job-training classes; low cost meals and health clinics for seniors; health services for low-income residents and computer access. This funding will support community building through healthy activities, which is something every community should pursue.
Lakeview Trail, Mountlake Terrace Transit Center to the Interurban Trail
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
City of Mountlake Terrace
23204 58th Avenue West
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
The amount of the request:
$750,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This project will construct a new non-motorized trail that will connect the Interurban Trail with the new Mountlake Terrace Transit Center at I-5 and 236th Street S.W. This project will allow bike and pedestrian commuters to safely and easily get around not only Mountlake Terrace, but also be able to commute to Everett or Seattle with ease; via the Transit Center. Additionally, the Lakeview Trail will expand the multimodal nature of these facilities by creating a direct bicycle and pedestrian route to the Interurban Trail, a popular regional biking and walking north-south corridor that stretches from Seattle to Everett.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project is vital to increase mobility in and around this region as it will provide a safe, reliable option to commute to and from Mountlake Terrace through means other than by personal vehicle. It will pay back constituents for years to come with reduction in traffic congestion, improved accessibility to transit stations and a healthier lifestyle. Decreasing congestion by providing alternative transit options in a around this area will provide faster, cheaper and easier means to move both goods and services which will help to spur this economy out of the recession.
NE 120th Street Roadway Extension
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
City of Kirkland
123 Fifth Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
The amount of the request:
$1,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request will fund a roadway extension connecting NE 120th Street to I-405.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project will increase mobility and create jobs while providing increased access to those jobs that rely on roadways in and around this area to build their customer base. As the economy begins to improve, it is important that this nation’s infrastructure provides the necessary capacity to carry the influx of customers that will continue to help spur this nation out of a recession. This new connection is a key link in relieving vehicular congestion, improving transit, providing critical non-motorized facilities/options for residents and business patrons as well as more evenly distributing circulation in and around Totem Lake. Realizing these objectives will lead to significant economic development in the area.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Suquamish Way and Division Streets
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
The Suquamish Tribe
P.O. Box 498
Suquamish, WA 98392
The amount of the request:
$750,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request would be used to widen Suquamish Way at Division Street and install left and right turn lanes, add sidewalks, street lighting, signing and crosswalks.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Having a safe route to and from school is extremely important for this nation’s youth. It is unacceptable for more than 100 children to walk to school down a street with no shoulders, sidewalks or lighting. This project will make critical safety improvements at the intersection of Division Street and Suquamish Way which currently is lacking these basic safety standards.
SR-99 Improvement Project
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
City of Shoreline
17500 Midvale Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request will fund the last of a three phase project which seeks to make safety improvements and modernization to Aurora Avenue to meet existing and future transportation and transit capacity needs. Phase three will provide critical connections between two transit centers that are highly utilized, the Shoreline Park and Ride Transit Oriented Development site at N. 192nd Street and the Aurora Village Transit Center at N. 200th Street.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Nearly 43,000 people die on the nation’s roadways each year while on average congestion costs the nation $67.6 billion each year, or $430 per person each year. This project improves a 3 mile section of State Route 99 which carries more than 40,000 vehicles daily and is in dire need of safety improvements and modernization. Investing in these needed safety improvements not only will save lives, but it will save money for the nation in the long run. It also provides for increased accessibility to public transportation that will further reduce congestion helping aid the movement of goods and services to spur the economy.
SR 522 Corridor Improvements
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
City of Kenmore
6700 NE 181st Street
Kenmore, WA 98028-6070
The amount of the request:
$1,500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request would fund Phase 1, Stage 2 of the overall SR 522 Corridor Improvement projects. This stage includes widening travel and Business Access and Transit Lanes, additional turning lanes at the key intersection, signal improvements, illumination, access management, center medians, sidewalks, drainage improvements, landscaping, and utility conversion to underground.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project seeks to reduce congestion to increase the movement of goods and services and to help aid in the region’s economic development plans. The roadway serves as a major link between cities on the east side of Lake Washington and northeast of Seattle as well as a commercial corridor. Funding for this project will address the critical need to improve safety and will reduce congestion on this heavily trafficked corridor.
New Ferry Vessel Propulsion System, WSF
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Washington State Department of Transportation
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98504-7024
The amount of the request:
$3,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This request will be used to fund the manufacturing of propulsion system machinery and components that will be provided to the Shipyard that will contract to construct new auto-passenger vessels. This project is for the construction of up to four new passenger-auto vessels equipped to carry up to 1500 passengers and 144 vehicles each. Ship design yields more internal seating, two passenger decks, quieter operations and wireless internet. Additionally, vessels are interchangeable on any route.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The Washington State Ferry system is the largest ferry systems in the United States carrying twenty-four million passengers and eleven million automobiles per year. It provides a necessary connection to goods and services while reducing congestion by taking traffic off the road. It is important to continue funding these projects in order to continue the service that the Washington State Ferry system currently provides.
Virus-free Wine Grape Cultivars, WA
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Washington State University
Pullman,WA 99164
The amount of the request:
$300,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The purpose is to maintain a virus clean block of grape vines to be used as breeding stock for the wine industry in Washington
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Washington is the second biggest wine producing state in the country, with a growing cluster of wineries in the Woodinville-Redmond area, and wineries and vineyards in the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla region in particular. A virus-free, high quality grape stock will reduce need for pesticides, help continue to build the Washington State wine brand internationally and expand this industry in our state.
ARS Laboratory in Pullman, WA
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
The amount of the request:
$2 Million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Build an ARS laboratory in Pullman, Washington. USDA’s Agriculture Research Service has 6 plant research units located at Pullman, Washington. Currently there are over 60 federal employees assigned to these units, they work in offices, laboratories, and on research land at Washington State University. ARS determined in 2003 that the current facility was not adequate and recommended that a new laboratory for these research units should be built in Pullman, Washington.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Washington State University is a land-grant university, which conducts important agricultural research and provides world-class education to more than 25,000 students statewide. These funds are to build a federally owned facility for federal programs on the WSU Pullman campus, which will serve to provide research resources critical to support Washington’s large agricultural base and to help Washington State remain a national and global leader in the production of high quality agricultural products. Construction could begin within months, at which time 150 jobs will be created and maintained throughout the duration of construction.
The Pacific Northwest Small Fruit Center
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research is a network of Federal ARS and State scientists and industry cooperators from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho who identify priorities and conduct a coordinated research program on berry and grape crops. All projects funded by the Center are reviewed for both scientific quality and relevance of research to industry needs. The Center provides a progressive approach to genetics research, plant breeding, pest management, decision-based marketing and packaging, processing methods to improve quality and production methods directed towards increased quality. The Center fosters the development of a national exchange network for small fruit research genetics research.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research provides two primary services to society which warrant consideration of taxpayer expenditures: 1) develops new pest management and soil nutrient methods that reduce the amount of pesticides and fertilizers used, which helps minimize exposure to citizens, wildlife, and our streams and rivers of harmful pollutants and 2) facilitates economic development by helping out growers compete internationally with countries like Argentina and China, which are aggressively seeking growth in these markets.
The Center fosters the development of a national exchange network for small fruit research. Small fruit research is critical to the regional farming community, which has one of the biggest specialty crop harvests in the entire country. Washington grapes, berries, apples, cherries and other fruits are some of the best tasting and most nutritious foods in the world.
Developing Northwest bioenergy crops (Aegilops cylindrica and other weedy crops)
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington State University
Pullman, WA, 99164
The amount of the request:
$350,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Aegilops cylindrica, a grassy weed, is a strong biomass feedstock candidate. Weedy plants require low production inputs, are efficient with water, and are largely resistant to disease and insect pests. It and other weedy plants genomes contain important survival and growth genes. Among the largest invasive plants in North America is the poplar, Populus alba L., which grows well in the Pacific Northwest, as well as in every state except Arizona.
WSU has exceptional scientific strength regarding this species and in plant science generally and will focus effort on understanding genetic characteristics of this plant and other weedy plants, so that important genetics can be incorporated by our alternative crop and poplar breeders into plants suitable for biomass production and conversion.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Productive sources of biomass are needed in the West to create greater opportunities for bioenergy production and usage. Bioenergy can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil by providing home-grown energy sources, stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and investment in this growing field, and reduce our reduce greenhouse gas emissions..
Farmer Training and Community Education Program at 21 Acres
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
21 Acres
13701 NE 171st Street,
Woodinville, WA 98072
The amount of the request:
$301,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living will be built on a commercially zoned parcel of 21 Acres farm in the Sammamish Valley outside Seattle. This future public education center will serve individuals, families and businesses as a gathering place and community facility the developing the 21st Century green economy. The requested funds will support the Farmer Training and Community Education Program at 21 Acres. A program of classes, starting this year, will help individuals become farmers by learning skills that will assist them in growing their own food or developing farm businesses.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The mission of 21 Acres and its planned Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living is to cultivate, demonstrate and advance systems that support sustainable local agriculture. Their education and farmer training programs are all geared toward fulfilling this mission, consistent with the Mission and Vision of the USDA. Developing local agriculture increases the public’s awareness of where they get their food, decreases the carbon footprint of foods by eliminating extensive transportation associated with moving crops around the country, and diversifies the local economy.
UW Bothell Nursing Faculty Consortium Training Program
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
University of Washington - Bothell Campus
18115 Campus Way NE
Bothell, WA 98011-8246
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Washington state faces a nursing shortfall and the nursing faculty consortium training program will increase the number of well-trained nursing instructors at area community and technical colleges to provide nursing degrees, and thus meet the demand for practicing nurses in the community.
Federal funds will allow UW Bothell to continue to provide scholarship support for qualified program participants as they progress with their graduate nursing degrees, provide mentoring and other support services as these graduate students transition into teaching positions at area community and technical colleges, and deliver additional sections of core master’s degree courses to program participants.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
During these difficult economic times, nursing is one of the few areas of employment that is not experiencing significant job loss. Instead, employment is limited by the number of trained nurses available for work, not the jobs available. This program will help put more people in the workforce by filling existing vacant jobs.
Currently, in the United States, nursing shortages extend well beyond direct clinical care to include a critical shortage of qualified nursing faculty across the country. The Washington Health Care Personnel Shortage Task Force reported that they received 37 requests for waivers of faculty qualification last year because faculty could not be recruited who met the minimum nursing accreditation requirements of a master’s degree in nursing. More recent communication with nursing program directors from consortium schools indicate a need for more than 25 full-time faculty and many more part-time clinical faculty appointments to fill vacancies in FY 2009. This project is currently filling many of these positions with graduate students and will begin to fill them with fully accredited nursing faculty by the 2010-11 academic year. Federal funds will allow UW Bothell to continue to provide support for qualified program participants to help address the shortage faced across the country, and help provide patients with greater access to nursing care.
Community Health Education & Simulation Center
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Northwest Hospital and Medical Center
1550 N. 115th St.
Seattle, WA 98133
The amount of the request:
$1 million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The Northwest Hospital and Medical Center’s (Northwest) is building a Community Health Education and Simulation Center (CHESC) where, over the next three years, it plans to teach community and healthcare provider classes.
Northwest is seeking appropriations to expand the state-of-the-art CHESC that will be fully utilized by the public, schools, local health care providers, and staff.
The Phase 2 expansion of the CHESC is planned to double its size to over 5,000 sq. ft. The increased space will include two smaller simulation rooms, two control rooms, and a special procedures room, additional classrooms/debriefing space, and an operational staging area.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The CHESC will create better trained healthcare workers and community members and will move workers up the career ladder. Allowing healthcare workers to train on scenarios such as post partum hemorrhages which are not common but if they do occur can be fatal allow for reduced patient stays and a safer hospital setting. The CHESC strives to improved patient safety by reducing errors caused by hospital staff and physician; which in turn will reduce healthcare costs. Similarly training community members on skills such back injury prevention and what can be done to an urgently ill person prior to the ambulance arriving is knowledge we view as essential to our community. The CHESC will also train workers the skills needed to move up the career ladder such as a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Lab Phlebotomist to a LPN to a RN.
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Regional Network IT
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
825 Eastlake Ave E
PO Box 19023
Seattle, WA 98109-1023
The amount of the request:
$537,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Information regarding treatments, protocols, prevention and early detection, quality and regulatory rules, training and education as well as physicians ability for direct interaction with SCCA physician/investigators are all vital to providing patients the best possible treatment and interventions available to them.
In order to collaborate more closely with its Network members, the SCCA seeks to develop a highly interactive regional video conferencing system, an interactive web portal for Network members and physicians that will allow them to determine whether a patient being seen at their location might be eligible for a clinical trial at the SCCA; and a “one-stop” web portal that will allow our network members self-sufficiency in accessing standardized forms, procedures and other pertinent information.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The SCCA Network purpose is to accelerate research by improving access to clinical trials and to advance the standard of cancer care regionally and beyond. Its vision is to positively affect the care of 100,000 Network patients annually through enrollment in clinical trials and/or improved standards of care by 2018. Information regarding treatments, protocols, prevention and early detection, quality and regulatory rules, training and education as well as physicians ability for direct interaction with SCCA physician/investigators are all vital to providing patients the best possible treatment and interventions available to them. Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, and this program will help improve care and save lives.
Service Delivery Facility Equipment
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Senior Services of Snohomish County
8225 44th Avenue W. Suite O
Mukilteo, WA 98275
The amount of the request:
$250,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Senor Services operates the Meals on Wheels and Senior Center Congregate Meals programs in Snohomish County. Last year, the organization provided over 245,000 meals. Central to the Service Delivery Facility and nutrition program will be a 5,000 square foot commercial grade kitchen. Funding through this appropriations request would purchase commercial grade equipment for the facility including kitchen and the senior dining room for congregate meals.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
In 2006, 90,138 seniors (13.4% of the population) living in Snohomish County were age 60 and over. In 2020, 190,258 seniors (22.1% of the population) will be 60 and older. This doubling of the senior population will significantly increase demand for essential services. The Senior Services of Snohomish County organization has outgrown its current leased space and it is not able to achieve its goal of meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population of seniors in Snohomish County. The new facility equipment would increase capacity from 1,000 meals per day to 5,000 meals per day, and meet production requirements until 2020. This equipment would allow Senior Services to continue to provide critical meal services and ensure it is able to respond to increased demand from a growing senior population, including the creation of an employment and training center for older workers.
Senior Services of Snohomish County works to promote independence and preserve the dignity of seniors, individuals living with disabilities and their families. By providing a meal, a ride, community housing, or information to a caregiver, seniors and individuals with disabilities are able to maintain their health and avoid moving into a more restrictive long term care facility. Allowing people to live in their own home is significantly less costly than institutional long term care.
The ABA-Human Brain Atlas
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
The Allen Institute for Brain Science
551 N. 34th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
The amount of the request:
$1 million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The goal of this one-of-a-kind project is to create a comprehensive three-dimensional map detailing genes at work in the human brain, surveying all genes in the genome and revealing where each gene is expressed or “turned on”. Knowing where genes are “turned on” can provide unprecedented insights into brain disease-related genes and how best to intervene therapeutically. It will also be an important tool in the area of treatment of traumatic brain injuries and brain tumors. All data and associated tools will be made freely and publicly available on the Web to encourage widespread use and collaboration.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project will provide an essential and unique window into gene activity in the human brain. It has the potential for advancing new and existing research programs on brain diseases, disorders and trauma. It will offer critical information for developing new and better therapeutic drugs. In addition to serving the scientific research community, the Allen Human Brain Atlas is expected to support an even broader user community that includes the medical and education communities. Expertise in massive scale laboratory projects, informatics, and computational hardware and software systems for collecting and making data freely available to the public via the Web are assets unique to the Institute and will be central to the Allen Human Brain Atlas.
Emergency Services Equipment – City of Kirkland
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
City of Kirkland
123 Fifth Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
The amount of the request:
$500,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The funding requested will assist the City of Kirkland in purchasing Special Response Team Equipment – Ballistic blankets, Night Vision Goggles, Breaching Tools, as well as three emergency generators and Regional Urban Search and Rescue equipment
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Federal funds are justified to support the City of Kirkland’s ability to better respond to emergencies and prepare for disasters. This equipment significantly increases Kirkland’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and threats to public safety within the city and the region. The east King County and south Snohomish County regions are subject to natural threats from earthquake, windstorm, and major flooding events. Kirkland fire and police personnel are the first responders to these events. By enhancing local response capabilities to these threats, this equipment improves the safety of the hundreds of thousands of residents in Kirkland and the surrounding communities.
Mentoring Initiative for At-Risk Youth
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington State Mentors
1605 NW Sammamish Road
Suite 100
Issaquah, WA, 98027
The amount of the request:
$300,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Washington State Mentors will work with direct service programs to increase the number of youth with a mentor by 150, or 3-percent, above the current number of active statewide mentor-mentee matches. They will also work with programs to improve the capacity of an additional five mentoring programs by helping them expand full time employees in one of three areas: program management, development or evaluation.
This project will also provide training and technical assistance to increase the quality of mentoring practiced and decrease the cost of operating a program by helping recruit mentors.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Funding for the Washington State Mentors will allow for increased capacity and better quality mentoring services, as well as reduced risk to the public at large, due to the increased number of at-risk-children with access to mentoring services. Related to health and safety research, data confirms that mentoring can be a solution to youth violence, gang formation, drug abuse, and entry into the criminal justice system. Additionally, mentored youth have higher levels of educational achievement, better attendance in school, and an increased probability of going on to higher education.
National Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Center (AMMIC)
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
Edmonds Community College
20000 68th Ave W.
Lynnwood, WA 98036
The amount of the request:
$1,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
AMMIC is developing career pathways and cooperative K-20 education and training projects working with entrepreneurial and scientific communities (mentoring, internships and networking opportunities for students of all ages). Training programs include: Composites Technician Certificate Program, Critical Composite Maintenance and Repair Issues, Lean and Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Materials Science Technology Courses and Degree Programs, Product Lifecycle Management Certificate, Global Training Programs.
The funds requested will be used to purchase high-cost technical equipment, and will allow AMMIC partners to leverage the cost of the expensive equipment for the research and training needed by industry.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
A lack of skilled workers in advanced materials and manufacturing threatens Washington’s ability to maintain its status as a world aerospace hub. Snohomish County has been identified by the State of Washington as an Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) for Aerospace. (Aerospace Convergence Zone). AMMIC is the primary project identified for the IPZ.
Headquartered near Paine Field in Everett, the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Center (AMMIC) addresses these workforce needs in order to ensure the future of this industry in Washington State and support the thousands of workers who depend on this industry to provide family-wage jobs
West Coast Aquatic Invasive Species Program
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington Department of Fish & Game
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
The amount of the request:
$5,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The purpose of the West Coast Aquatic Invasive Species Program is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species that threaten the West Coast of the United States. Program elements include monitoring, research, control and eradication, rapid response and outreach and education. Controlling invasive species will reduce municipality maintenance costs and protect indigenous species as well as the environment.
Washington State will add 2 full time employees to the existing 4-5 positions. Additionally, Washington will need up to 30 potential employees to handle border check stations if funding is available to implement this application of prevention.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The purpose of the West Coast Aquatic Invasive Species Program is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species that threaten the West Coast of the United States. Program elements include monitoring, research, control and eradication, rapid response and outreach and education. PSMFC is working with West Coast states on ballast water management and green crab monitoring and eradication. Currently, the State of Washington is working to prevent the spread of Quagga and zebra mussels through check stations and regional prevention/education programs with Montana, Oregon and Idaho. There are particular concerns about zebra and quagga mussels as they have spread to within 250 miles of the Columbia River Basin, threatening the region's salmon and steelhead resources, not to mention hydropower production, as well as irrigation and municipal water infrastructure. Controlling these invasive species will reduce municipality maintenance costs and protect indigenous species as well as the environment. If the spread of these pets is not proactively controlled, states and municipalities in affected watersheds throughout the region will be forced to spend millions of dollars annually removing encrusted colonies of animals from all water-related infrastructure. In addition, more state and local funds will then need to be spent for monitoring, control, eradication and rapid response to address the increasing spread of these species. Funds from this competitive grant program enable the State of Washington and others to continue these efforts.
Snohomish PUD Geothermal Energy Exploration Project
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Snohomish County PUD No. 1
2320 California Street
PO Box 1107
Everett, WA 98206-1107
The amount of the request:
$1,000,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Snohomish County PUD No. 1 has recently completed a preliminary assessment of potential geothermal resources in the region conducted by a team led by Alta Rock. The results of this study are very encouraging and warrant progressing to more detailed resource evaluation, definition, and assessment. As part of the research, Snohomish County PUD No. 1 and Black Mountain are also assessing issues related to site access, connection to existing transmission systems, technology/generation factors and a range of other technical, environmental and economic issues. This long term effort will facilitate the development of a new, clean, renewable base load energy resource of potentially enormous regional importance.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Snohomish PUD’s geothermal energy project has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs in the Puget Sound by constructing a new renewable energy electricity project in Snohomish County. The Geothermal Resources Council estimates that a 100 MW geothermal energy development would create 400 construction and 170 operations and maintenance family-wage jobs. It is anticipated that the proposed Snohomish PUD project would be generating 100 MW of geothermal power by 2020.
As a result, our project is anticipated to create 400 construction and 170 operation jobs. The project is also consistent with federal priorities to encourage the use renewable resources and reduce carbon emission pollution that causes global warming, and advances the federal priority to increase domestic energy production to improve energy security. The project may also help the state meet its renewable energy portfolio standard.
UW Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
The amount of the request:
$1.2 million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The Northwest Marine Renewable Energy Center is a partnership between Oregon State University and the University of Washington. OSU will direct the Center and focus its efforts on applied research for wave energy. The UW will focus on research specific to four efforts on tidal conversion including mobile testing, environmental impacts modeling, device array optimization, and device reliability and survivability. The two universities will leverage their expertise and experience to accelerate the development of ocean energy.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project will help make the Puget Sound world leader the nascent ocean renewable energy industry, which includes power derived from wave and tidal currents. This industry has the potential for creating millions of new, clean tech jobs, and Washington State is an ideal location to lead with it’s Pacific ocean shorelines and large tidal potential in the Sound.
The initiatives of the proposed Northwest Center will contribute to increasing the technical, societal and environmental benefits of marine renewable energy, ultimately advancing their cost-competitiveness and reducing the burden to the taxpayer. This research will benefit the public because findings will be made available to local, state and federal agencies, to inform policy decisions about the ocean renewable energy resources that may help the state meet its renewable energy portfolio standard, and reduce carbon emission pollution that causes global warming. Northwest Center will share findings via workshops, conferences, publications, and online to further advance the wave energy and tidal industry and facilitate commercialization.
Washington State University algae-based biofuel research facility
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
The amount of the request:
$1 million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
WSU is a part of Washington State Algae Alliance. WSU will develop an algae-based biofuel research facility that other biofuel and bioproduct companies within the state, region and nation can utilize. Expertise will be developed and capacity will be built that can be leveraged towards other algal species and products. During the course of this project, other algal species will be evaluated for their utility in producing chemicals, chemical intermediates and fuels. Cyanobacteria hold much promise because: (1) they can grow utilizing carbon dioxide and light as its energy source; (2) its DNA can be manipulated to produce compounds used in biodiesel, jet fuel, and plastics; and (3) compared with land-based energy crops, they are much more efficient in terms of solar energy capture thus allowing for a much higher productivity per unit area. In addition, for large-scale applications, cyanobacteria can be grown in wastewater utilizing the excess nutrients which otherwise can cause environmental concerns.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Just as the University of Washington can become a world leader on ocean renewable energy, Washing ton State University is poised to be a world leader on another new energy technology, algae-based biofuels. This project will put Washington State ahead of the curve on this new industry, helping to ensure that research in algae fuels is translated into new jobs and economic activity. Research into advanced algae-based biofuels will contribute to increasing the technical, societal and environmental benefits of finding renewable energy sources to make biodiesel, jet fuel, and plastics, which can reduce carbon emission pollution that causes global warming, and advances the federal priority to increase domestic energy production to improve energy security.
Solar Carports for Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicles
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Snohomish County
3000 Rockefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
The amount of the request:
$200,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The requested funding will support a pilot project to assess the feasibility of powering vehicles operated within Snohomish County with solar power in lieu of fossil fuel, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will also enable the testing of “smart grid” technology for optimizing electric power grid operations. Specifically, the project will construct two solar carport facilities – one at the Snohomish County Cathcart Way Operation Center and the other at the Snohomish County Administration Building - to provide solar power for four plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The pilot project will demonstrate technologies that may create green jobs in Snohomish County and is consistent with federal priorities to encourage the use renewable resources and smart grid technologies that avoid carbon emission pollution that causes global warming, and to increase domestic energy production to improve energy security.
Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Flood Reduction Study
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Lake Ballinger/McAleer Creek Watershed Forum
121 – 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, WA 98020
The amount of the request:
$100,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Funds would be used towards the planning and design of a project to resolve critical ecosystem issues at McAleer Creek and Lake Ballinger, WA. Urban development along Lake Ballinger, and McAleer Creek (Lake outflow source) have resulted in severe water quality, wetland/riparian habitat loss, and flooding along Lake Ballinger and McAleer Creek.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This project is authorized under the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters, Section 544 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-541). The loss of a rich riparian/lake habitat in Lake Ballinger has negatively impacted local salmon runs within the Lake Washington watershed system. Reducing a burden on taxpayers, the project will reduce the frequency of flooding of homes within the watershed and along McAleer Creek The project will provide habitat critical for the survival of endangered species listed salmon and other important fish and wildlife species within the Puget Sound region.
Puget Sound Adjacent Waterways
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
King County
516 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
The amount of the request:
$300,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
Federal Funds are for projects to address the current and future needs for ecosystem and salmon recovery in Puget Sound Basin.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
This program was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 and benefits all Puget Sound Counties including Kitsap, Whatcom, Clallam, San Juan, Skagit, Island, Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Jefferson. This program is a focused restoration effort that improves environmental conditions for wildlife by identifying and funding priority restoration projects in the Puget Sound Basin to protect endangered fish and benefits migratory bird species and their habitats covered under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
Puget Sound Nearshore Marine Habitat Restoration
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501
The amount of the request:
$2 million
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The Puget Sound Nearshore Marine Habitat Restoration project is a cooperative effort among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and local sponsors that include state and federal government organizations, tribes, industries and conservation organizations. The funds will be used to support projects with both federal interest and support from local communities that are willing to provide the necessary investment to address the habitat or pollution problems near or in Puget Sound. The purpose of the project is to identify significant ecosystem problems in Washington State's Puget Sound basin, evaluate potential solutions, and restore and preserve critical nearshore habitat.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The project is a comprehensive habitat restoration and preservation endeavor to provide environmental protection for wildlife and wildlands,made possibly through a cooperative effort among government organizations, tribes, industries, and environmental organizations to preserve and restore the health of the Sound's nearshore.
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial Committee
P.O. Box 10355
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
The amount of the request:
$750,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial is currently being constructed. In fiscal year 2010, the memorial hopes to design and produce interpretative materials for visitors and obtain architectural designs for the remaining portions of the memorial yet to be completed, including a visitor center. Funding is requested only for the interpretative materials and the architectural designs, not the construction of the visitor center.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
While looking towards the future, it is vitally important to remember our nations past. On May 8, 2008, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act was signed into law. This important bill made the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial a national historic site, becoming a part of the National Park Service as a satellite unit of the Minidoka (Idaho) National Historic Site. The funding will be used to honor those citizens who suffered through this dark period and to educate those who visit this historic monument.
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
The proposed recipient, and address of the recipient:
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
The amount of the request:
$500,000 recurring
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
This project will provide sustained operating funds for comprehensive management of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail (IAFNGT) across the four-state region and will provide trail management and staff to coordinate with trail partners in implementation of the IAFNGT. The trail will be managed by the National Park Service.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail will link existing and future federal, state, local, private and tribal interpretive facilities into a comprehensive scientific presentation of the Ice Age Floods. Preservation of this historic trail is necessary in advancing educational opportunities regarding the Ice Age for generations to come. This funding will not only provide for the public appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the nationally significant natural and cultural features of the Ice Age Floods , but it will also help to promote efforts to interpret and educate along the pathways of the floods which will be maintained for years to come.
Optical Neural Techniques for Combat/Post-Trauma Healthcare
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Lockheed Martin Aculight
22121 20th Avenue SE
Bothell, WA 98021
Amount:
$2.5 million
Project Description:
Optical neural techniques under development hold promise for vastly improved treatments for many injuries suffered in combat, including the loss of hearing and balance, chronic pain, and depression. The initial development effort is directed at hearing loss. Optical nerve simulation has many advantages over current clinical technologies. This work will enable researchers to complete initial safety studies, refine the parameters for optimum performance, and push forward the development of miniature light sources required to build an implantable optical auditory device. The ground work is being laid for preliminary clinical trials of infrared nerve simulation technology in acute applications and the initial development work on the hardware for an optical cochlear implant in 2011.
Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center supports this program.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
The HCU units that the Marine Corps is currently using in forward deployment are outdated. These systems were developed in 1999 and cannot perform functions that have since become critical.
This project provides our military with medical equipment they need and have asked for to increase their ability to provide medical care to marines on the front line.
This could greatly minimize permanent damage and need for chronic care, which is critical at a time when compensation for hearing loss is the most costly disability benefit now paid by the VA, amounting to over $1 billion annually.
Next Generation Solar Electric In-Space Propulsion
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate
Edwards AFB, CA
Amount requested:
$1.5 million
Project Description:
The project furthers investment in advanced solar electric in-space propulsion by development of a new modular power electronics system able to convert energy from a solar power system into power to control satellite thrusters. Electric propulsion may soon supplant current hydrazine systems as efficiency increases in solar arrays and demand for more payload capabilities drives development of more powerful and more massive spacecraft.
Electric propulsion provides greatly improved payload capability per satellite, reduced launch costs due to significantly reduced satellite weight, and more environmentally-friendly ground options.
Project Benefit:
USAF has been particularly interested in this technology, and has base-lined electronic propulsion as a requirement for several satellite systems now under development. However, recently announced delays to both the Advanced EHF and TSAT programs put this critical technology and its uniquely skilled workforce at risk. This project furthers investment in the enabling technology that is advanced solar electric in-space propulsion.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
Solar electric propulsion is a promising technology that provides users greatly improved payload capability per satellite, reduced launch costs due to significantly reduced satellite weight, and more environmentally-friendly ground operations.
In some cases, growth in desired payloads has already exceeded the capability of even the largest domestic launch vehicles. In the case of the TSAT program, the Defense Department specifically made an allowance for electric propulsion because there was no other way to orbit the required payload with existing domestic launch vehicles. Development of this technology will be a core element of both planned and future satellite systems.
The Air Force has been particularly interested in this technology, and has base-lined electronic propulsion in several satellite systems now under development. However, recently announced delays to both the Advanced EHF and TSAT programs put this critical technology and its uniquely skilled workforce at risk. If these resources are lost, Washington state will no longer be the lead for this technology that is critical to both national security and commercial space.
Remote Control Laser Sensor Suite for the Miniature Day/Night Sight Advanced Targeting Suite (MDNS-ATS) for ground-based applications
Proposed Recipient and Address:
B.E. Meyers & Co.
14540 NE 91st St.
Redmond, WA 98052
Request Amount:
$3 million
Project Description:
The Remote Control Laser Sensor Suite for the Miniature Day/Night Sight Advanced Targeting Suite (MDNS-ATS) for ground-based systems project will provide greater situational awareness and safety to the soldier. Choosing what equipment to carry is of critical importance to the soldier and thus must be very carefully considered for the mission. The MDNS-ATS gear enhances soldier capabilities with tools that are miniaturized, lightweight, and multifunctional. The Remote Fire and Control Module (RFCM) acts as the prime interface to combat critical weapons and operates both day and night without degrading night vision goggle use.
The MDNS system allows the operator to select the desired capability and engage the enemy using the right component at the right time. Whether the mission is urban, rural, desert, or arctic, the operator will have the right detection, targeting, aiming or illumination capability to meet the threat. The soldier ’s added ability to stay behind the safety of armor saves soldier's lives.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
If funded, the MDNS-ATS system will result in up to 10 full time sustainable jobs immediately for the development effort, and grow to as many as 100 full time positions provided this technology is adopted at the next generation night / day vision for military operations. In manufacturing this system, B. E. Meyers is committed to serving the needs of the soldier by utilizing materials that are compact, light-weight, and most cost-effective while still maintaining the highest level of quality to provide greater efficiency and protection. The enhanced mobility afforded the soldiers by this equipment will help to ensure their safety and security.
United States Special Operations Command and Naval Special Operations Group support this program.
Hydroacoustic Monitoring for Marine Renewable Energy Systems in Puget Sound
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Biosonics, Inc.
4207 Leary Way NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Amount requested:
$2 million
Project Description:
To better understand the environmental impact that hydropower technology may have on the aquatic community, Biosonics/UW propose to conduct baseline monitoring studies at potential Puget Sound development sites, with input from all stakeholders, that will provide the data necessary to make an informed decision on whether to move forward with these tidal energy pilot projects. A better understanding of how fish, marine mammals and other species utilize these sites will help define specific locations that are sensitive and need protection.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
Congress has mandated that DoD procure 25 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2025. This project will facilitate the U.S. Navy’s pilot tidal energy project that, if successful, will provide a reliable, low cost source of electrical power to Puget Sound naval facilities. Thus, in addition to furthering the Navy’s goal for 2025, this energy source is greenhouse gas emission-free and has the potential to move our country towards greater energy independence.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center support and this program.
Neuroprotective & Neurorestorative Properties of Neuregulins
Proposed Recipient and Address:
CMC Icos Biologics Inc.
22021 20th Avenue SE
Bothell, Washington 98021
Amount requested:
$2.5 million
Project Description:
Research the effects of neuregulin-1 brain injuries in order to develop preventative measures to avert some types of brain injuries following a wide range of neurological trauma including stroke, TBI and exposure to nerve agents.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
Research will lead to additional methods of protecting America's soldier's and at-risk civilians from a wide range of neurological trauma. Neuregulins have demonstrated their potential to reduce the effects seen with traumatic brain injuries and stroke, and by improving functional outcomes there would be a reduction in the cost of long term care for these patients.
Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center supports this program.
Health Surveillance System
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Combimatrix Corp
6500 Harbor Heights Parkway
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Amount requested:
$1.5 million
Project Description:
The technology that Combimatric intends to further develop uses silicon microarrays and electrochemical detection to support over 12,000 analytical tests on a single microchip, and has been proven to be successful in identifying biothreat agents and upper respiratory diseases. The diagnostic capacity of the system can be configured for classic genetic and serological tests that identify infectious agents and for state-of-the-art assays for new biomarkers, such as serum proteins, microRNAs, and methylated DNA, that may result from blast injuries, gunshot wounds, PTSD, and exposure to toxic chemicals. The compact size and ruggedness of the solid-state system will permit deployment of the capability close to the battlefield. This will provide soldiers with early warnings of biological and chemical threats.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
The Health Surveillance Platform will improve the medical care of all military personnel, both deployed and at home. It will be especially useful for treating the wounded and sick in-theater, where it will bring to the field diagnostic capabilities that currently exist only in large hospitals on major military bases. Early identification of traumatic injuries and infectious diseases results in early intervention and a better outcome.
Regenerative Medicine to Address Acute Hearing Loss
Proposed recipient and Address:
FATE Therapeutics
1124 Columbia Street Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98104
Amount requested:
$2 million
Project Description:
Applies fundamental stem cell research from the nation’s top academic laboratories to develop the drugs and technologies to fulfill the promise of regenerative medicine to treat acute hearing loss for soldier's.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
Regenerative medicine holds promise for creating therapeutics for a half million veterans who suffer acute hearing loss and deafness and currently have no treatment options. Advancing this ability to restore hearing to service men and women who have suffered hearing loss during their service protecting the United States is of immediate and great importance. This technology also has the potential to address the hearing loss that afflicts millions of ordinary Americans.
U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command support this program.
Ozone Intervention System for E.Coli
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Ozone International LLC
12685 Miller Road, NE
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Request Amount:
$1,500,000
Purpose of Request:
The project will develop and demonstrate a commercial system using high-pressure ozonated water for the large-scale cleaning and sanitizing of hide-on beef carcasses to eliminate/reduce E.coli and other pathogens from the military beef supply. This project is intended to demonstrate a unique and cost effective process to make beef safe for military and civilian consumption.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
E.coli contamination of the beef supply causes illness, deaths and financial losses in the US each year.
ASM Workforce Requirements Planning – Team (WRP-T) Enhancement
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Paladin Data Systems Corporation
19362 Powder Hill Place
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Amount requested:
$2 million
Project Description:
This Advanced Skills Management (ASM) system to tracks individual skills, certifications, and training plans in the workforce, enabling the automation of the repetitive and labor intensive job of building and managing functional teams of personnel across commands and defining teams made up of logical groupings of skills which align mission requirements with staffing capabilities.
ASM is currently used by 56,000 Navy Sailors and Marines. Funding would allow the Workforce Readiness Planning-Team enhancement to be completed.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
It aligns with the Naval Aviation Enterprise’s vision of delivering the right force with the right readiness at the right cost at the right time, today, and in the future. It provides a more effective human capital strategy to assure continued mission superiority and reduces the time and cost associated with determining readiness and operational capability. This saves taxpayer dollars by streamlining the process through which the Navy tracks personnel capabilities.
Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Sea Systems Command support this program.
Understanding Increased Risk of Preterm Birth and Stillbirth in a Post-Combat Setting
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Seattle Children’s Hospital – Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity & Stillbirth
4800 Sand Point Way
Seattle, Washington 98105
Request Amount:
$3 million
Project Description:
Post combat conditions are highly stressful and increase risk of exposure to toxins/pathogens, poor nutrition and impoverishment, raising the potential for higher preterm birth and stillbirth rates among indigenous populations and soldiers remaining or returning from the field. Studies by the National Defense University and in-theatre operations by military forces have put new emphasis on post combat stabilization as a necessary activity to win hearts and minds. Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), a subordinate laboratory to the US Army R&D and Engineering Command has been a leader in developing technologies to achieve post combat stabilization. ECBC also has an in-house biomarker program to assess the impact of environmental toxicants at the molecular level. The initiative would support ECBC’s efforts through the development of a prospective cohort of pregnant women from surveillance areas with environmental characteristics relevant to high stress conditions; epidemiological data collection on conditions which emulate post combat stress and associated risks for pre-term birth and stillbirth; collecting and processing tissue samples for distribution; and initiation of rapid diagnostics technology development (biomarkers) using genomic and proteomics tools which will detect response / susceptibility to high stress and exposure conditions that promote negative effects on reproductive health in post combat veterans and indigenous populations. Researchers will correlate effects of stress, impoverished conditions, exposure to pathogens and toxic agents in racially diverse populations to pregnancy success, especially preterm birth and stillbirth. Longitudinal analysis will be used to determine factors and pathways critical to increased risk of preterm birth and stillbirth.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
As a result of this research effort, GAPPS / Seattle Children’s will provide the military with unique biological resources that will inspire new diagnostics, therapeutics and other innovations to improve birth outcomes and prevent prematurity and stillbirth for indigent-indigenous populations and soldiers remaining or returning from the field. This research could potentially extrapolate to a broader range of maternal health conditions as they relate to the priorities of the US Department of Defense.
US Army Research Development and Engineering Command support this program.
Funding for the Marine Corps to acquire SonoSite® M-Turbo® ultrasound systems for use by deployed medical assets for triaging and providing care for wounded marines and civilian populations
Proposed Recipient and Address:
SonoSite, Inc.
21919 30th Drive Southeast
Bothell, WA 98021
425-951-1200
Amount Requested:
$1.5 million
Project Description (Must include a clear description of military requirement. Please be thorough in your description):
This project would allow the Marine Corps to upgrade its existing hand carried ultrasound (HCU) inventory to current technology, SonoSite M-Turbo systems, and add the capability where it does not currently exist. Hand carried ultrasound is safe, easy to use and highly portable, making it the only diagnostic technology usable in deployed medical assets for care of wounded marines.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
The HCU units that the Marine Corps is currently using in forward deployment are outdated. These systems were developed in 1999 and cannot perform functions that have since become critical. For example, enhanced near field imaging, on the M-Turbo systems, is essential to guiding many invasive procedures that wounded marines require, including the placement of regional anesthesia in extremity injuries – now 70 percent of all battlefield injuries. The use of regional anesthesia provides greater pain relief than narcotic anesthesia, allows the marine to remain conscious and ambulatory, and does not have the side effects including nausea and potential long-term addiction. These characteristics work together to increase the speed of evacuation of wounded soldiers resulting in decreased vulnerability of the unit.
This project provides our military with the updated medical equipment they need and have asked for to increase their ability to provide medical care to marines on the front line.
Marine Corps Systems Command supports this program.
Marine Hydro-Kinetic Renewable Power
Proposed Recipient and Address:
Verdant Power
3507 Shelby Rd #102
Lynnwood, WA 98087
Amount requested:
$3 million
Project Description:
Kinetic Hydropower System (KHPS) Turbines require no dams or impoundments and can allow for safe fish passage. They are deployed in the water in arrays consisting of multiple modules (similar to wind farms) and are connected to an on-shore electric substation using an underwater transmission line. It takes advantage of tidal forces to provide a reliable and predictable base load supply of electricity to the power grid.
Estimate's indicate that the average tidal velocity of Puget Sound is sufficient to provide up to 100 MW potential; this funding will help them, with the support of the US Navy, design, engineer, fabricate, assemble, install, operate and monitor an array of turbines capable of achieving approximately 1 MW at a pilot site.
Why is this project a good use of taxpayer funds?
This project helps the Navy achieve its statutory goal of using 25% renewable energy, is greenhouse gas emission-free, and has the potential to help move our country towards energy independence. Verdant Power’s KHPS turbines represents a low cost, efficient, readily available, scalable and deployable electric power that is a significant cost advantage over and independent of fossil fuel sources. It will supply the DoD with power for communications, lighting, heating, cooling, desalination and other equipment at remote locations.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command and Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center support this program.
Steven’s Hospital Emergency Department Modernization and Expansion
The proposed recipient and address of the recipient:
John W. Kirkman,
Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Stevens Hospital
21601 76th Avenue West, Edmonds, Washington 98026
The amount of the request:
$750,000
An explanation of the request, including purpose:
These funds would provide necessary equipment for the new Stevens Hospital (SH) Emergency Department (ED). Confronted by a growing community, Stevens Hospital has outgrown its current ED facility, resulting in an under-capacity for emergency and critical care services. As a pre-eminent health center in the community, Stevens Hospital is striving to meet future needs through an expansion to 54 beds (30 emergency care beds and 24 critical care beds). In addition, continuing to build on its substantially improved operating performance over the past three years, Stevens will implement a five year strategic plan that focuses on the recruitment of 75-100 physicians and the employment of several hundred hospital staff, the development of a strategic affiliation with a regional healthcare system, and the acquisition of capital necessary to implement its planned expansion of care and facilities.
Why is this request a valuable use of taxpayer funds?
Stevens Hospital is a public hospital with a service area providing service to 500,000 area residents. Upgrades to facilities and equipment will expand the access to the Emergency Department and quality of the care in the region. The Emergency Department currently receives twice as many visitors above the original design for current facilities. Expansion and modernization of the Emergency Department will ensure that area residents have timely access to state-of-the-art health care. These efforts will reduce wait times and overcome the need to divert patients to other facilities. One hundred new jobs will be created and an economic contribution of more than $100 million will contribute to both the health and economic well-being of the region.
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