“This funding shows that Northwest Indiana can be home to the cutting-edge, high-technology work needed to address some of our nation’s most important issues, including confronting the energy crisis and advancing scientific research and technology,” said Visclosky, who is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. “These investments will also help create new economic opportunities in Northwest Indiana.”

The funding for these projects comes from the FY 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which will be considered by the House tomorrow.  The funding will be made available after the legislation is signed into law by the President.

Northwest Indiana Taking the Lead to Confront Energy Crisis

The Town of Munster is set to receive $2 million to equip and construct a methane gas cogeneration plant, which would help develop new energy alternatives by converting methane from waste and refuse into electricity that could go into the local power grid. The project provides an opportunity for local and federal governments to work together to develop local sources of energy.

“The residents of Munster are lucky to have Congressman Visclosky as our advocate,” said Helen Brown, Munster Town Councilwoman. “The realization of this project will allow Munster to benefit from generation of power from methane gas that would have been wasted, using federal investment instead of local tax dollars. We truly thank him for his support.”           

Also included in the legislation is $1.5 million for a Bio-Energy Cooperative ethanol-biomass fuel plant at Fair Oaks.  This funding would go toward the development of an ethanol plant that will use cellulosic energy sourced from environmentally treated animal waste.

            The Jupiter Oxy Fuel Technology Project will receive $4 million to continue research, testing, and evaluation of coal types in oxy-fuel burners, and an integrated pollution removal process.  This technology burns fossil fuels in a cleaner fashion, and separates out pollutants.

            “In order for our country to become less reliant on foreign oil, we must invest in our existing energy resources,” said Visclosky. “These projects demonstrate that municipalities, our rural communities, and our existing natural resources can all be leveraged to become more energy independent.”

Investing in Science and New Technologies in Northwest Indiana

            Visclosky’s legislation also makes investments in local science and technology initiatives. The Northwest Indiana Computational Grid, which is a joint effort between Purdue University Calumet, Purdue University, Notre Dame, and the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, will receive $6 million to continue developing a scalable, high speed, high bandwidth, science driven computational grid that enables cutting-edge scientific research. Including the funding in this legislation, to date Visclosky and Senator Lugar have secured $15 million for the Northwest Indiana Computational Grid. 

            “The Computational Grid is a perfect example of how educational institutions can partner with federal initiatives to create the infrastructure that will build a new economy,” said Visclosky. “The end result of this effort will make Northwest Indiana home to world-class technology, and home to world-class economic opportunity.”

            Also included in the legislation is $1 million for a cyber security program operated by Cimcor to implement an information security system at the Department of Energy. The security system allows computer servers to detect when they have been modified in an unauthorized manner, and will automatically repair those unauthorized changes.

            “Computer technology is always changing, and so are security threats. Having proper information security is crucial to any organization,” said Robert Johnson, President of Merrillville-based CIMCOR. “Thanks to Congressman Visclosky’s leadership, our Northwest Indiana company has an opportunity for our new technology to work with the Department of Energy to help ensure the safety and security of their information.”

            The Purdue Calumet Inland Water Institute will receive $500,000 under the legislation. The Water Institute will continue its research program and advance the mission of the institute, which is to conduct research, offer educational programs in water resources, and assist the private sector in economic development opportunities for water quality, efficiency and security.  Including the funding in this year’s legislation, Visclosky has secured $2 million for the Water Institute.

Also in the legislation, the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana will receive $2 million for its expansion. This funding was previously announced when the legislation was approved out of the full Appropriations Committee.