RICHLAND, Wash. – Officials at Washington State University applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee today for including $10.5 million for the FAA Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment in its funding measure for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
The committee approved an FY2016 funding measure to make resources available for the nation’s infrastructure, aviation transportation safety and federal housing programs. Senator Murray, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, worked to make sure the bill continues to fund the FAA Center of Excellence headquartered at WSU’s campus here. The bill passed the Senate Committee, providing funds to be used in partnership with other elements of the FAA’s Next Generation Environmental Research Aircraft Technologies, Fuels, and Metrics program.
“Investments in research and development of aviation biofuels is critical to creating jobs, fostering energy independence, and promoting environmental sustainability,” said Sen. Murray. “The FAA Center of Excellence, co-led by Washington State University, is a leader in furthering this innovation, and I am proud to continue to support this great endeavor.”
Ralph Cavalieri, WSU associate vice president for alternative energy and director of the FAA center co-led by WSU and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expressed his appreciation for the support.
“These funds are vital for the continuation and expansion of the important research projects that the Center of Excellence is conducting to advance the vision of an environmentally sustainable aviation system that underpins so much of the global economy,” he said.
With substantial sources of agricultural and timber waste biomass and a rich cadre of innovative scientists, the Pacific Northwest is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of biofuels research. Through work done in collaboration with WSU’s public research institution and industry partners, the state of Washington has become home to leaders in the research, development and use of aviation biofuels.
Contact:
Ralph Cavalieri, Associate Vice-President for Alternative Energy, WSU, 509-595-8340. cavalieri@wsu.edu