Jul 26, 2024
Press
McMorris Secures Funding for Local Projects in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act
(Washington, D.C.) Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that she helped secure over $6.9 million in funding in H.R. 2419 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for local projects in Eastern Washington. The projects include:
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Gonzaga University electric utility transformation program
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Isothermal Systems Research Spray Cooling Technology
"Funding for these projects will help contribute to the economic growth of Eastern Washington,¨ said McMorris. "This appropriations bill covers a wide range of projects that are crucial to our region. These projects will help us have a skilled workforce, provide for our future energy needs, use innovative technology solutions to help our nation defense effort, and ensure our farmers have the water to irrigate their lands.¨
Gonzaga University Electric Utility Transformation program – $800,000
Gonzaga University will use the funding for an electric utility transmission and distribution line engineering program. This one of a kind program that will offer a Master of Science degree as well as certification for working professionals in engineering."It is vital that we have a reliable electricity grid,¨ said McMorris. "Through this project, Gonzaga University is helping to build a skilled 21st century workforce of technicians and professionals to design and operate electric power grids.¨"This is wonderful news for the University, for Eastern Washington, and for our region,¨ said Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., President, Gonzaga University. "The Federal dollars will be invested in the University¡¦s electricity transmission and distribution program that will certify and train the power engineers of the future. We thank Rep. McMorris for her leadership this year in securing this funding. Her support for this program has been critical and we appreciate all her hard work and effort.¨
Isothermal Systems Research (ISR) Spray Cooling Technology – $6,000,000
ISR will use appropriated funds for research in spray cooling technology to remove heat from densely packaged high performance processors. It is estimated that as much as 12 percent of annual U.S. energy consumption may be attributed to Internet infrastructure. Advancing this technology will alleviate the energy costs associated with large server farms and data centers consuming high levels of energy. This technology will reduce operating costs on our businesses, and will allow for more cost effective use of energy and space."This technology will be the launching pad for a fundamental redesign of server technology, with ISR providing the enabling technology for the next generation of computing,¨ said McMorris. "I appreciate the very strong interest that Energy and Water Chairman David Hobson (R-OH) has shown for this technology and his commitment to supporting innovative companies like ISR.¨"Our successful collaboration with PNNL has enable ISR to significantly advance our revolutionary approach to high efficiency supercomputer design,¨ said Jeff Severs, President of ISR. "This funding creates significant opportunities to expand ISR'¦s reach into commercial markets and is a foundation for continuing to create new jobs at our company.¨