FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2005

Congressman Larson Presents $1.03 Million Grant Promoting University of Hartford Studies Into Manufacturing Technology of the Future

WEST HARTFORD, CT � Congressman John B. Larson will celebrate the opening of the University of Hartford �s new Integrated Science, Engineering and Technology complex at 10 a.m. Monday with the presentation of a $1.03 million check for research into laser-guided manufacturing.

Larson will present the grant on behalf of the non-profit, federally-funded Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, a national center for next-generation manufacturing based at Rentschler Field. The funding extends the center�s partnership with the University of Hartford in advancing precision manufacturing of 21st century technologies in the region.

�Throughout our history, Connecticut has taken the lead in manufacturing,� Larson said. �Through technology, the world of manufacturing is changing. In partnering, CCAT and the University of Hartford are an example of the unity of purpose that will keep Connecticut at the epicenter of research and production. By bringing together industry and tomorrow�s workforce, we are creating a chain of development that will again place Connecticut at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing technologies.�

The grant will fund applied research and development of laser applications in manufacturing by undergraduate and graduate students in the department�s new facilities. The research will be carried out in conjunction with Connecticut companies and the National Aerospace Leadership Center operated by CCAT. These laser technologies will serve as the basis for the manufacturing of the future.

CCAT, which helps foster the development of emerging technologies for existing businesses and startups, developed out of Larson�s vision of a technology and science center to build on the region�s manufacturing strengths. With Senators Christopher Dodd and Lieberman, Larson helped secure funding for its creation, including the establishment of the National Center for Aerospace Leadership. Working with the U.S. Air Force, the leadership center is dedicated to preserving the region�s dominance in military-engine production and advanced propulsion and power systems.

The center of aerospace and relationship with UHA are examples of CCAT�s synergistic approach to extending Connecticut �s technology base. In serving its mission as a springboard of innovation, CCAT brings industry, academia and government together to work on today�s and tomorrow�s technology applications in manufacturing. Application areas include fuel cells, propulsion, nanotechnology and the biomedical field.

###