$11.8 million in federal funding for region will create jobs, benefit U.S. military
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey announced today that Congress has approved federal funding for several defense-related projects in Northeast Pennsylvania. This funding is contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act, a bill which provides funding for our men and women in uniform, and also extends unemployment and health insurance benefits for unemployed workers.
“These projects will make valuable contributions to our nation’s defense and economy,” 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.”
“These projects will encourage job creation and bolster our nation’s security,” said Senator Casey. “I am pleased the Congress has approved this important funding, which will promote economic growth in Pennsylvania, ensure that our servicemembers have state-of-the-art equipment and protection and strengthen our nation’s defense.”
The Senate voted to pass the bill Saturday morning 88-10; the President signed it into law the same day.
Funding has been approved for the following defense projects in NEPA:
*If a Member of Congress also supported a project, his/her name listed
• $3.2 million for SCHOTT North America in Luzerne County for the development of high quality optical glass for military applications. (Specter, Casey)
• $3 million for Medico Industries in Luzerne County to enable technological improvements to reduce the time it takes to deliver new and improved ammunition to the soldier in the field. (Specter, Casey, Kanjorski)
• $2.8 million for General Dynamics Ordinance and Tactical Systems in Lackawanna County to upgrade the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant to maintain production requirements for war reserve and training ammunition to account for current overseas operations. (Specter, Casey, Kanjorski, Carney)
• $1.6 million for Hart Metals of Schuylkill County to design and construct a small atomizer to produce magnesium alloy powders to evaluate properties and performance of castings of lightweight military components. (Casey-Holden)
• $1.2 million for Global Tungsten and Powders in Bradford County for the development of a tungsten heavy alloy penetrator for use in warheads. (Specter, Carney)
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