Kerry, Kennedy, Markey announce 8 MA Cos to receive $14.6 million for defense projects
Statewide, Massachusetts projects set to receive $126.7 million
BOSTON - Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, and Congressman Edward Markey announced that the Defense Appropriations Bill was approved by Congress earlier today.
The Defense Appropriations Bill contains $14.6 million in federal assistance for eight companies in Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District. Statewide, defense companies in Massachusetts received a total of $126,700,000.
"This is a victory for crucial defense projects in our state. From funding for the TS Enterprise at the Mass Maritime Academy to funding for development of better medical care for our soldiers in the field, this bill will help make a difference in the security of our nation and the lives of our military men and women," said Senator Kerry. "By making these investments in our communities, we are investing in our state's economic future, and that is why Senator Kennedy and Congressman Markey and I fight each year to secure federal funding for these initiatives that keep our country secure and our troops protected."
Melissa Wagoner, a spokeswoman for Senator Kennedy, said, "These important projects will enhance Massachusetts' role as a leader in the defense industry. I'm proud to see so many Massachusetts companies at the cutting edge of defense technology. Our courageous men and women serving overseas deserve the very best protection our nation can provide."
"This infusion of federal funding represents an important investment in our national security as well as our local research and technology industries. I am proud to have worked with my Massachusetts colleagues to secure this crucial funding for projects that will help our military men and women better carry out their missions," said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden).
Massachusetts' Seventh Congressional District projects in the Defense Appropriations Bill
Natick: $1.2 million for Lightweight Polymer Designs for Soldier Combat Optics
To develop a sturdy polymer based material that can be used for low-cost, lightweight eyewear and day optics that can withstand the rigors of difficult climate. Polymers are more easily manufactured than glass, and polymers are often less expensive than high-end glass. Also, new polymer materials can result in improved ballistic performance.
Waltham - $3 million for Space Situational Awareness to Raytheon (IDS)
The Joint Force Component Commander for Space has requested this solution to quickly assess space events, such as a missile launch, and track space objects to improve space situational awareness.
Waltham - $1.6 million for Advanced Lower Limb Prostheses for Battlefield Amputees to Foster-Miller
With dramatic improvements in personal protective equipment for soldiers, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of battlefield fatalities. However, an increasing number of returning casualties are amputees (about 85 percent of all amputees are lower limb cases).
Waltham- $2.4 million for Boat Trap System/Water Craft Interdiction to Foster-Miller
With this funding, Foster-Miller will be able to complete important research and development of the "Boat Trap System." The boat trap system includes a propeller entangling system deployable from an aircraft in order to impair and/or stop vessels that menace US ships in port or are fleeing the US Coast Guard.
Watertown- $1.2 million for Nanocrystal Source Display to QD Vision
As troops in the field continue to use more technology, creating legible command and control displays is critical to efficient use of this technology. This project will further advances in development of the micro-helmet mounted displays and other command and control displays. Additionally, this effort improves the U.S ability to recapture the technological lead in the global display industry.
Weston - $2 million for Air Force Research Laboratory Nuclear Test Seismic Research to Weston Geophysical
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducts the only defense seismic research program to support the mission of helping ensure foreign compliance with formal and informal agreements to limit nuclear weapons development, such as the Six Party agreements with North Korea and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Woburn- $2.4 million for Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Power Sources for Space to Nantero, Inc
This research will further the development of a new class of lithium ion battery technology, which incorporates carbon nanotube technology. This new class of batteries will be critical in meeting the needs of the intelligence community to power more advanced stand-alone applications that require greater power.
Woburn - $800,000 for ImageNav Low-Cost, Image-Based Navigation and Precision Targeting to Scientific Systems Company
ImageNav is a low-cost technology that enables the Tomahawk missile and other air vehicles to navigate precisely without the GPS in light of Pentagon concerns that potential U.S. competitors will jam satellite signals.
