U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) applauded the House Appropriations Committee’s approval last week of funding for two critical energy research projects at universities in Washington State. The committee approved $500,000 which Smith requested to expand research capabilities at the Center for Biofuels at the University of Washington to facilitate development of new biomass conversion technologies. The committee also approved $500,000 for research on power grid instability and insecurity and the development of modern “smart grid” technology at Washington State University.
“The Center for Biofuels is already completing research that will help Washington This additional funding will allow them to purchase equipment and expand vital research on converting biomass into fuels,” Smith said. state become a leader in alternative energy.
“Also of critical importance is ensuring that our regional and national power grids are stable and secure. This funding will help WSU researchers develop smart-grid technology to better protect consumers’ access to the electricity we all rely on,” Smith said.
Smith also helped secure funding for the following regional projects:
• $250,000 for the Lower Puyallup River Alternatives Study, which would determine alternatives for addressing flood and related habitat issues of the Lower Puyallup River in Pierce County, Wash.; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $300,000 for the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration to identify and fund important restoration opportunities in the Puget Sound Basin, which can benefit various federally listed species; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $600,000 million for the Puget Sound Nearshore Marine Habitat Restoration program. This funding will be used to evaluate causes for habitat decline and pollution in the Puget Sound Basin; formulate, evaluate and screen potential solutions to these problems; and recommend a series of actions and projects; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $1 million for the Duwamish / Green Ecosystem Restoration Project, which provides critical environmental improvements and includes assisting in the recovery of Endangered Species Act federally-listed Chinook salmon; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (King County).
• $4.107 million for the Mud Mountain Dam on the White River. Funding would be used for both construction and operations and maintenance on the Dam, to enable the Corps of Engineers to meet existing and future fish passage responsibilities; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The funds were included in the appropriations bill for energy and water projects for fiscal year 2009, approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House and reconciliation with the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.
“The Center for Biofuels is already completing research that will help Washington This additional funding will allow them to purchase equipment and expand vital research on converting biomass into fuels,” Smith said. state become a leader in alternative energy.
“Also of critical importance is ensuring that our regional and national power grids are stable and secure. This funding will help WSU researchers develop smart-grid technology to better protect consumers’ access to the electricity we all rely on,” Smith said.
Smith also helped secure funding for the following regional projects:
• $250,000 for the Lower Puyallup River Alternatives Study, which would determine alternatives for addressing flood and related habitat issues of the Lower Puyallup River in Pierce County, Wash.; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $300,000 for the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration to identify and fund important restoration opportunities in the Puget Sound Basin, which can benefit various federally listed species; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $600,000 million for the Puget Sound Nearshore Marine Habitat Restoration program. This funding will be used to evaluate causes for habitat decline and pollution in the Puget Sound Basin; formulate, evaluate and screen potential solutions to these problems; and recommend a series of actions and projects; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• $1 million for the Duwamish / Green Ecosystem Restoration Project, which provides critical environmental improvements and includes assisting in the recovery of Endangered Species Act federally-listed Chinook salmon; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (King County).
• $4.107 million for the Mud Mountain Dam on the White River. Funding would be used for both construction and operations and maintenance on the Dam, to enable the Corps of Engineers to meet existing and future fish passage responsibilities; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The funds were included in the appropriations bill for energy and water projects for fiscal year 2009, approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House and reconciliation with the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.