U.S. Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune recently announced that the Fiscal 2008 Defense Appropriations bill that passed recently included more than $8.83 million in funding for the School of Mines to fund research projects designed to improve our nation's military. Previously, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin announced the bill was passed by the House. The bill now moves to the President for his signature.
"We truly appreciate all the work of the South Dakota delegation," School of Mines President Dr. Charles Ruch said. "It is the delegation's continued support that allows School of Mines professors and researchers to undertake projects that will make our military more efficient while better protecting our troops in the field. Research infrastructure and new and unique technologies and equipment are now being used to transition technology and generate technology-based economic development." Since 2001, The School of Mines has received more than $80 million in Congressional appropriations for projects and research. The 2008 Defense projects proposed by the Senate include: - $6.4 million: Future Affordable Multi-Utility (FAMU) Materials for the Army Future Combat Systems
- $400,000: Control System for Laser Powder Deposition
- $400,000: Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Simulation in Different Soils
- $300,000: Transparent Nanocomposite Armor
- $500,000: Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Sensors
- $350,000: Shielding Rocket Payloads
- $480,000: Novel Extremity Body Armor