DOD Bill Includes $9 million at Urging of Local Lawmaker
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) today announced that funding for the following four local projects – three of which bolster Pasadena’s burgeoning technology industry – were included in the House of Representatives version of the FY 2005 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 4613):
- $3 million for Pasadena-based Smiths Detection to continue its Disposable Sensors for the Battlefield and Urban Warfare Project for the U.S. Army. This equipment will better protect soldiers from biological and chemical weapons through advanced sensor technology.
- $2 million for Pasadena-based CALSTART to continue developing a heavy-duty hybrid electric truck for the U.S. Army. By improving energy efficiency through this program, motor vehicle technology for both military and commercial uses will be advanced.
- $3 million for Pasadena-based Phasebridge to develop a new Radar Frequency Distribution system for the U.S. Navy’s P-3 aircraft. Relied on to conduct long-term surveillance, this project will allow the P-3s to better intercept signals through cutting-edge fiber optic technology.
- $1 million for the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles to develop educational programs and exhibits on astronomy and space exploration. The new exhibits – made possible by research and observations by NASA and the U.S. Air Force – will be part of the Observatory’s ongoing $83 million renovation. The funds will be used to help the Observatory’s annual two million visitors better understand astronomy and space exploration.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.