Committee Clears Idaho Projects in Defense Bill

BOISE, ID - The full Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Defense appropriations bill for FY 2008 earlier today. Funding was included for a number of Idaho projects. Idaho Senator Larry Craig, a member of the committee, praised Idaho's role in bolstering the nation's defenses.

"Idahoans have every reason to be proud of the research and development of cutting-edge technologies being done here," Craig said. "These efforts make our nation more secure and our Armed Forces the best-equipped in the world."

"Once again, Idahoans have distinguished themselves in the effort to improve our national security. The projects approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee demonstrate the impressive record and reputation Idahoans have for their contributions to America's defense," Crapo said. "In these times of tight budgetary constraints and increased restrictions within the discretionary budget, Idaho continues to take the lead in innovation and development."

Idaho projects listed in the bill include:

• $2 million for Medical Modeling Through Synthetic Digital Genes, Crowley-Davis Research
• $3 million for a Systematic Approach to Radiation Hardened Electronics (SHARE), American Semiconductor
• $3 million for 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems, BSU
• $5 million for Advanced Motor-Propulsor Development and Testing, Bayview
• $1 million for Semiconductor-based Nanotechnology Applications, BSU
• $4.5 million for Electronic Warfare Modeling, Simulation, & Wireless Testing Center, INL
• $4 million for Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration, Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc.
• $3 million for Manufacturing Improvements for Read Out Integrated Circuits, AMI Semiconductor
• $2 million for the Integrated Patient Quality Program, Healthwise, Inc.
• $2 million for the Credibility Assessment Research Initiative, BSU
• $2 million for Reconfigurable Electronics and Non-Volatile Memory Research, BSU
• $1.7 million for the DNA Safeguard Project, BSU
• $1.3 million for Small Accelerators and Detection Systems, ISU
• $1.5 million for Molecular Approach to Hazardous Materials Decontamination, Boise Technology
• $1.5 million for the Survivability Program, INL
• $1.7 million for Evaluating ELF Signals in Maritime Environments, U of I
• $1.3 million for Ultra Low Power Electronics for Special Purpose Computers, U of I
• $2.5 million for Electromagnetic Signature Assessment System, U of I

The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.