Congressman Peter Defazio

December 16, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) today secured final funding approval for five projects as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. The funds, which will be used for research purposes at major research institutions in Oregon, will create jobs and help boost the state’s leadership in developing certain types of technologies.

“This funding will help perform research that has the potential to transform the lives of people living with neurological injuries, make our soldiers more prepared and better protected, and make Oregon a leader in new developing technological fields,” DeFazio said.

Three projects will be funded at the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI). The institute is a collaborative effort between government, industry and higher education and is located on the campuses of Oregon’s major research universities; the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University:

* Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative received $3.5 million. It will develop materials and manufacturing methods that simultaneously meet the military's need for high performance materials, protect human health and minimize environmental impacts.

* The Miniature Tactical Energy Systems Development Initiative received $2.5 million. It has a wide range of military applications, including development of portable power systems for use by military personnel in the field for water purification and battery power.

* The Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative received $3.8 million. The project conducts research into defense-related nanoscale electronic applications such as high density memories on silicon integrated circuits.

The legislation also includes $2.4 million to continue research under the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative at the University of Oregon. The funds will be used for research of brain nueroplasticy which will assist in the rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and amputees. This research will improve the quality of life for people with these types of injuries, giving them better opportunities for employment.

The Northwest Manufacturing Initiative received $2 million to make the Northwest region's diverse, value-added manufacturing sector a stronger contributor to the nation's defense and national security. The funding will be used for research and development to enhance the reliability, cost-effectiveness and environmental performance of products designed for the defense marketplace and to help improve the manufacturing capacity of small and medium-sized companies.

The funding was included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. The bill must now be passed by the Senate before it heads to the White House for President Obama’s signature.