Projects funded include $5.5 million for the Automated Composite Technologies program, $5.5 million for F-16 Avionics Intermediate Shop Depot Replacement and $200 million for ATK Corporation and the Ballistic Missile Defense program, particularly the Midcourse Defense Segment.
The Automated Composite Technologies program funds will support a joint public-private proposal by ATK and the Ogden Air Logistics Center at HAFB. It is for the development and demonstration of cutting-edge carbon-fiber processing enhancements, primarily composite structures for the F-35 Joint-Strike Fighter.
Bishop said this initiative will support the Ogden ALC's capabilities in both equipment and training, to support future workloads for maintaining advanced aircraft like the F-22 and F-35.
The $200 million appropriation will directly assist with funding many jobs at both ATK, which has a plant in Clearfield, and the Ogden ALC, Bishop said.
"The overall legislation funds critical defense needs including troop protection, operation and maintenance, research and development, and emergency wartime appropriation needs," Bishop said.
"It provides for hundreds of billions in spending for military personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, as well as research, development and test and evaluation," he said.
The legislation should also provide $2.7 billion to fund the F-22 and an increase to the number of C-17s, directly benefiting Utah workers and contractors, Bishop continued.
Other parts of it include funding to develop improvised explosive device countermeasures, hundreds of millions of dollars for personnel force protection items, including body armor, and funding for a military pay raise, effective Jan. 1, 2007.
In addition, hundreds of millions of dollars would be earmarked for National Guard equipment needs.
"The first charge of Congress is to ensure American security," Bishop said. "We do this by making sure our military has the tools and resources they need to fight the enemies of freedom around the world and to keep our homeland safe.
"When it comes to the war on terror, we must continue to fight to win, and this legislation is part of that," he added.
Adoption of H.R. 5631 is one of the last formal hurdles to expected adoption of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007.
"Our state is a key player in keeping our nation secure, and these funds are a wise investment in that important work," Bishop added. "All of these funds will go towards technologies and systems that will strengthen our military and keep our country safe."
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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