U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., is working to spur new high-tech opportunities in West Virginia, and is backing legislation that includes funds to support many key economic initiatives.
“In the 21st century, the nation must have an innovation economy, one that relies on mind-power as much as muscle,”Byrd stated.”At its core, the innovation economy will build on ideas and technologies. Our country must adapt to the changing realities of the global marketplace and respond with creative approaches to job creation and growth.”
Byrd has worked to plant the seeds for an innovation economy across West Virginia. Federal appropriations legislation expected to come before the Senate next month would help to advance that effort, the senator explained.
In the Fiscal Year 2005 Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill, the West Virginia lawmaker obtained $31.9 million for the NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Center and its more than 250 workers.
“The IV&V’s workers test computer software to ensure the highest possible effectiveness for key NASA projects including the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle program, and the’Spirit’and’Opportunity’Mars rovers,”Byrd explained.”The IV&V has spurred growth at the I-79 Technology Park. These facilitiesand the research underway therehave led to hundreds of new jobs in the Mountain State.”
Byrd added another $2.5 million for the Composites Technology Institute (CTI), which is part of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing. The .
“The CTI is providing specialized training to West Virginia companies who are working with NASA . This training can open the door to new jobs and new investments in West Virginia,”Byrd explained.
Finally, Byrd added $1.25 million to the legislation for the renovation of Oglebay Hall at West Virginia University (WVU) to house its forensics science research and academic programs. In previous years, Byrd has provided $2 million for the $10 million renovation at Oglebay Hall.
“WVU is pioneering advancements in the forensics science field. By centralizing its research and academic programs, the university will be better equipped to develop new technologies and smarter students in this rapidly growing field,”Byrd stated.
The legislation containing the funds has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is expected to be considered by the full Senate when Congress reconvenes next month.
Byrd is the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.