WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) announced over $10 million in new federal funding for technology development for several Massachusetts-based defense firms and the Natick Soldier Center in Natick, MA. From biometric-identifying tools to state of the art defense systems, the funds will accelerate the development of high quality and cost efficient technologies for numerous security needs.   The projects equip Massachusetts with opportunities to continue designing new ways to protect our soldiers. The funds will be made available in FY 2007 as a part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, which passed the House last night.

Rep. Markey stated that, “We are enormously gratified by these organizations’ persistent efforts to protect our troops on the front lines and continually provide innovative ways to serve a variety of our national and homeland security concerns. This federal funding will allow Massachusetts to remain at the forefront of our proud tradition in protecting the United States."

$1 million dollars in federal funds will go to the Center of Excellence for High Performance Fibers at the Natick Soldier Center to process protective textiles for environmental and ballistic applications. Natick has a long history of providing soldiers in the field with top of the line equipment, clothing, and even food to keep them lighter, safer, and healthier as they fight in difficult climates and terrains.

The funds will also aid seven crucial projects at five different defense firms. While some of these companies are taking on programs to improve nuclear detection and air operations assistance, the Waltham-based Foster-Miller will receive $3 million to fund initiatives to:
    - Address neurally-controlled prosthetic limbs for full mobility in soldiers;
    - Manufacture boat trap systems (with propeller entangling systems) to enhance port security;
    - Design mobile weapons systems for soldiers to stay further from our enemies.

$3 million has also been slated for Cell Exchange, a company in Framingham and Cambridge, to develop new tools to better deploy troops and resources in the field.

Additionally Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc., based in Watertown, received $1,000,000 for developing New Technology for Detecting Nuclear Weapons Materials.