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Abstract:
House Legislation Also Supports Critical Impact Aid Funding

Upstate Projects Get Go-Ahead in Defense Authorization

Washington, DC | June 03, 2005

Approval of the National Defense Authorization Act in the U.S. House of Representatives last week brought with it good news for defense projects proposed for Northern and Central New York. Rep. John M. McHugh (R-NY) serves as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, which authorized the $15.7 million in projects, and worked to see them included as part of the comprehensive legislation.

"I am pleased that these important projects have made their way through the authorizing process," McHugh said. "The projects will surely go a long way toward supporting America's military, both in training for and facilitating military operations.

"Overall, this is great news for the North Country organizations that have the capabilities and expertise to win the work on this research and development. Though this is just the first step, and funds must also be approved in the Defense Appropriations bill, it is a testament to the stellar qualifications of Clarkson University and the other companies that would undertake these projects," McHugh added.

The six projects approved include:

Clarkson University's SmartResponsive Nanocomposite Systems, $2 million. The University's Nanotechnology Research Group is working to develop a system of SmartResponsive, nanostructured materials that combine detection of toxin, with self-cleaning and self-repairing material: a system-based approach to protecting the soldier. Clarkson began work on the project when, in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2005, Congress directed $4 million for development of this SmartResponsive System.

Clarkson University's Chemical Mechanical Planarization, $2 million. This provides funding for basic research in Chemical Mechanical Planarization for defense applications - creating smaller, faster, higher capability, hardened semiconductors to advance the Army's electronic applications for intelligence, logistics, and warfighting.

Clarkson University's Advancement of Intelligent Aerospace Systems (AIAS) program, $3 million. Through research and development of AIAS, Clarkson University would provide Air Force engineers and scientists with valuable simulation tools for assessment of proposed future Air Force weapon systems that incorporate Active Feedback Flow Control concepts.

Advanced Solar Cover project, $3.5 million. Ridgeline Industries, Inc. in Clayton, NY would be expected to secure this Army National Guard project, which involves development of Advanced Solar Cover to protect personnel and supplies from the effects of intense sun exposure.

Transportable Anti-Intrusion Pontoon Barrier System (TAPBS), $2 million. Composite Factory in Plattsburgh, NY is the likely choice to develop a Transportable Anti-Intrusion Pontoon Barrier System, which would secure a perimeter or a defensive line for Naval assets against a threat that could be launched by boat.

Prophet Block I Enhancement for the 10th Mountain Division, $3.2 million. This project will fund design, modification, development, and integration of the Prophet systems used by the 10th Mountain Division for principal signals intelligence and electronic warfare. It will provide enhanced ability to detect and locate modern signals as the technology insertion capability is integrated into the Block I system.

In addition, the National Defense Authorization Act includes measures that will provide financial support for Fort Drum-area school systems. A provision of the bill authorizes $50 million to enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to supplement the Department of Education's Impact Aid program, which provides funds to school districts nationwide that educate hundreds of thousands of military children. It would also make available $10 million for districts that experience significant increases or decreases in students due to military force structure changes, relocations, or base closures and realignments.

"It is critical that we provide such strong support to help local school districts with significant concentrations of military students," McHugh noted. "This is particularly important in an area such as Fort Drum, where children of servicemembers make up so much of the student population."

The Senate has yet to vote on its version of the Fiscal Year 2006 defense authorization, but following that vote the House and Senate will move into a conference committee to craft the final legislation. Funding for the defense projects will be determined by the Appropriations Committee as it finalizes the Fiscal Year 2006 defense spending bill.