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Congressman Cole Announces Oklahoma Projects in Water and Energy Bill

May 25, 2005

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole announced today that the Energy and Water Appropriations legislation passed yesterday in the House included over $13 million in projects for Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District, including $1 million for the single-walled carbon nanotubes project at the University of Oklahoma that was included by Congressman Cole.

"I am very pleased that these funds are included in the House version of this legislation," Congressman Cole said. "I will continue working to make sure these funds are included in the final legislation."

The single-walled carbon nanotubes project complements the Department of Energy's Nanotechnology Initiatives as well as the Hydrogen Fuel Economy Initiative. This project will also aid national priorities by improving stealth technology and better electrical cables for rebuilding the nation's electoral grid, as well as improved detection of cancers.

"The University of Oklahoma is a leader in producing large quantities of highly pure, well characterized, single-walled carbon nanotubes. These funds will help them further advance their research. Eventually nanotechnology could have an impact on almost every industry in all areas of society."

Single walled carbon nanotubes conduct heat better than any other known material, including gold, and could lead to the development of thinner, lighter TVs and computer displays that use less power, thus making portable electronic devices more practical and powerful.

Additional highlights in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2005 for Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District:

  • $1,528,000 for Operations and Maintenance at Waurika Lake;
  • $4,815,000 for Operations and Maintenance at Webbers Falls Lock and Dam;
  • $5,569,000 for Operations and Maintenance at Denison Dam, Lake Texoma;
  • $200,000 for a Bureau of Reclamation project to regulate the flow of Rock Creek, a tributary of the Washita River in south-central Oklahoma;
  • $401,000 for an effort near Norman to revive dry lands through construction of water storage and irrigation facilities to provide stable, reliable sources of water for agricultural uses.

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