“Education funding has always been a top priority of mine,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.  “The work Montana Tech does to develop the technology behind some of Montana’s most important industries, including mining and energy, is vital.  I look forward to continuing to work on funding Montana Tech’s priorities.”

Last month, the House passed legislation to complete the nine remaining spending bills for 2007.  Though 28 Senate earmarks were included in the legislation, more than $2 million for Montana Tech were omitted. 

“I would like to thank Congressman Rehberg for meeting with me and for being receptive to the needs of Montana Tech,” said Chancellor Gilmore.  “He assured us he would to everything possible to bring funding for critical Montana Tech programs.”         

“After graduation, most Montana students want to begin their careers right here at home,” said Rehberg.  “Montana Tech does a good job of preparing those students to be able to offer something to employers, which helps create good jobs right here in Montana.”

Several 2008 Funding Priorities for the University of Montana include:

·        $750,000 for the Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprises Creativity Forge

·        $10 million for Titanium Extraction, Mining and Process Engineering Research

·        $750,000 for research on Geothermal Resources

·        $3 million for a Center for Advanced Supramolecular and Nano Systems

·        $2,500,000 for research on Solid Free-form Fabrication of Weapons Systems Components from Low-cost Titanium

·        $3 million for research on creating a Low Acoustic and Thermal Signature Battlefield Power Source