WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives today passed the 2007 Defense Appropriations Conference Report, which includes a total of $2.7 million for Alabama universities, $1 million for the University of Alabama at Birmingham and $1.7 million for Auburn University.
The conference report is expected to pass the Senate this week and could be signed into law by the President as early as next week.
The funds will be used for UAB's Materials Applications Research Center and Auburn's Development of Logistical Fuel Processors Project.
"These funds will go a long way toward strengthening vital research efforts at both of these universities," Congressman Spencer Bachus said. I congratulate UAB and Auburn for their continued dedication to promoting scientific research."
"The funding secured by Congressman Bachus is an excellent example of his commitment to enhancing national security and advancing critical research in engineering and fuel technology," said Brian Keeter, spokesman for Auburn University. "We are grateful for his work on behalf of one of Auburn's leading research programs."
"UAB and the School of Engineering are deeply appreciative of the work that Congressman Bachus did to secure funds for the Materials Applications Research Center," said Dr. Richard Marchase, Vice President for Research at UAB. "We are confident that projects carried out in the center will lead to improved vehicles for the Department of Defense that will be both more economical to maintain and safer for their occupants. Funds will not only allow direct exploration of these avenues of research, but will also stimulate partnerships with the private sector that will serve to leverage this investment by the government. They will likely also be instrumental in spurring further economic development and job creation within the state."
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