IDAHO RECOGNIZED FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH

Washington, DC â??Nuclear energy and supply research was recognized as a priority by Senate appropriators today, awarding the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) funding for several projects advocated by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. The bill also included funding for water projects including aquatic ecosystems restoration and local water projects throughout Idaho.â??It is vital that we diversify our energy portfolio; nuclear energy and research has tremendous potential, and these projects bring that research to Idaho,â?? Crapo said. â??Idaho is on the cutting edge of energy development and we must secure our nation and be independent for energy. These water projects are also central to defending Idahoâ??s natural resources and ecosystems.â??The Energy and Water Appropriations bill funds energy projects that include:â?¢$40 million to the INL for a nuclear energy systems researchâ?¢$13.5 million to the INL for nuclear hydrogen for energy researchâ?¢$5 million to the INL for testbedsâ?¢$544 million to the INL for environmental management in Idahoâ?¢$4 million to the Idaho State University for research on nuclear energy and supplyâ?¢$85 million to the INL for the for advanced fuel cycle research with nuclear energyâ?¢$7 million to the INL for advanced energy supply and nuclear energy researchâ?¢$500,000 to Boise State University for wind turbine and renewable energy researchWater projects that received funding include:â?¢$3.3 million to restore the aquatic ecosystem in Indian Creekâ?¢$2.464 million for Dworshak Reservoir for ongoing maintenance and improvementsâ?¢$611,000 for aquatic ecosystems restorations on the Salmon River in Challisâ?¢$250,000 for ecosystem restoration at Paradise Creekâ?¢$5.5 million for rural water and wastewater projects In a separate action Senator Crapo also praised appropriators for funding homeland security programs in the Homeland Security Subcommittee appropriations bill that are of direct assistance to states and local communities, including the subcommitteeâ??s recognition of INLâ??s important research by funding the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), an office that is critical to the future of national security work and provides funding to the INL. â??This funding will enable Idahoans to help better prepare and respond to threats on our national security. The threat of terrorism is very real, and as recent history proves, we are not immune to it,â?? Crapo said. â??We must provide those who protect our citizens with the resources necessary to support training, tools, and operations to fight this ongoing global problem.â??The two appropriations bills will now go to the whole Appropriations Committee for consideration.###To directly link to this news release, please use the following address:https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=238902