(Cheswick, PA) - U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) today presented officials at the Curtiss-Wright Corporation Electro-Mechanical Division (CW-EMD) in Cheswick, PA with a check for $1.6 million in federal funding to research, develop and test ship propulsion motors for the U.S. Navy. It is estimated that the funding will support 700 existing jobs and could lead to the creation of 10 new high-paying jobs.

"Keeping quality jobs in Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District is always one of my top priorities," Altmire said. "This funding will protect the jobs of over 700 workers at the Curtiss-Wright Corporation Electro-Mechanical Division and may create new jobs as well. I am proud that I could help support jobs in our area and ensure local workers will continue playing a role in developing advanced technology that can help the U.S. Navy protect our country."

Specifically, CW-EMD will use these funds to continue developing a fully integrated electrical motor that will be more compact, weigh less, be more reliable and require less maintenance than motors currently available. With this electric motor, ships will be able to carry an increased weapons payload.

"The funding secured by Congressman Jason Altmire furthers EMD's important working relationship with the Office of Naval Research on a critical initiative for the U.S. Navy," said Jim Drake, General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Flow Control's Electro-Mechanical Division (EMD).  "In addition, the funding will support the 700-plus jobs at EMD.  And as the project technology expands, it will provide the potential for further growth in engineering and skilled factory jobs." 

The check Congressman Altmire is delivering today is part of over $8 million that he secured in the FY 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 3222) to boost western Pennsylvania�s economy.