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Cole Works to Include Funding for Priority Norman Projects in FY04 Spending Bills

December 8, 2003

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole secured $8,721,000 for priority projects in the Norman area in FY04 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. Included in the group of spending bills is funding for Phased Array Radar technology, important medical research at the University of Oklahoma, transportation projects and wastewater treatment.

The Phased Array Radar is the centerpiece of the National Weather Radar Testbed located in Norman, OK. The Phased Array Radar is expected to double the lead-time for tornado and severe weather warnings to the public.

"The development of this technology is especially important to our state, which has seen the devastation of many severe weather storms. Phased array technology will enhance our understanding of these storms, in turn leading to improved computer models, more accurate forecasts and much earlier warnings," Congressman Cole said. "Although severe weather, especially tornados, seem uncontrollable, with better understanding we can save lives and assets of those in a storms path."

To fund important medical research at the University of Oklahoma, Congressman Tom Cole worked to insert $700,000 to expand research centers at the University of Oklahoma. The Biomedical Research Center will receive $300,000 and the Center for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures will receive $400,000.

"The research centers at the University of Oklahoma are on the forefront of medical research," Congressman Tom Cole said. "These funds are important to conduct research on emerging infectious diseases and biodefense methods in the case of a homeland security threat."

The University of Oklahoma's Center for Structural Control will receive $3,000,000 for the research and development of intelligent infrastructure technologies.

"Because 64% of Oklahoma's steel bridges are deemed structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, it is important to fund this research now in order to create cost-effective ways to improve Oklahoma's bridge conditions," Congressman Tom Cole said.

Also included in the appropriations bill for the Norman Area:

  • $800,000 to complete the installation of Medium Intensity Approach Light System and RAIL and an Instrument Landing System at Max Westheimer Airport.
  • $3 million for Cleveland Area Rapid Transit
  • $200,000 for waste water treatment plant

"Upgrades to our transportation system are vital as we are looking forward to a growing economy. Reliable, accessible public transportation is the key to helping everyone that wants a job get and keep a job," Congressman Tom Cole said.

These projects are included in the Conference Report on H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2004. Congressman Cole worked with the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to secure $6 million for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program and $6.25 million for the rehabilitation of buses and bus facilities statewide.

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