$11 million in federal funding for the region will create jobs, benefit U.S. military
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey announced today that the Senate has approved federal funding for several defense-related projects in the Lehigh Valley as contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act (HR 3326).
“I am pleased that my colleagues have recognized the valuable contribution these projects will make to our nation’s defense,” said Senator Specter. “Pennsylvania is a top competitor for defense projects that create jobs and strengthen our economy and these funds will go far in supporting the brave men and women who serve our country.”
“I am grateful the Senate approved initiatives designed to strengthen our national defense and support our troops and their families,” said Casey. “These projects will help protect and equip our men and women in uniform with the added benefit of sustaining and creating jobs in Pennsylvania.”
The bill must be conferenced with the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.
Funding has been approved for the following Lehigh Valley defense projects:
• $4 million for Air Products in Lehigh County to develop stronger and lighter composite armor for military vehicles.
• $3 million for Lehigh University to develop photonic integrated circuit technologies required for next generation Navy avionics.
• $4 million for the Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation in Northampton County to enable it to increase its capacity to meet the Navy’s demand for forged components.
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