Spring Break
University reaps $9 million in stimulus for various projects
TAMARA BEST
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: News
The University will receive $9 million of the $410 billion pie of federal funds from a spending bill that was signed into law by President Barack Obama earlier this month.
"We are very grateful to representatives Jack Kingston and our senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson for the support they have given us, in helping to receive this money," said David Lee, vice president of research for the University.
Earmarks are federal funds given to government agencies for use toward specific projects.
Out of the 12 University projects that will benefit from the funding, the Energy research/Biorefinery Project will receive approximately $1.2 million, the most of any of the research projects. The project seeks to find alternative means of fuel production among other things.
"The project is a very important element in the University's effort to help make our transition to biofuel a reality," Lee said.
The transition to biofuel could affect different areas on campus including the Physical Plant.
"The most likely benefit would come from the technology produced from finding alternative means of energy, particularly at the Central Steam Plant," said Thomas Satterly, assistant vice president of the Physical Plant.
The Central Steam Plant currently operates from three fuel sources, according to Satterly, which are composed of fuel oil, natural gas and coal. The Plant provides heating for multiple places on campus including hot water and steam for cooking in the dining halls.
"It has a large impact on the campus in a variety of ways and it functions year round," Satterly said.
In addition to energy research, the University Campus Transit System will also receive approximately $1.3 million, allowing it to add four new buses.
University buses cost $375,000 each and last between 15-20 years, according to Ron Hamlin, manager for the University transit system.
"It will help close the gap between the income and outflow because the cost of operating and purchasing vehicles doesn't quite match up with the fees we charge," Hamlin said. He said the money is a one time deal but hopes that the system can be authorized for federal funding on a permanent basis.
In light of the national debates about earmarks and their use, Lee said the University's use of the money ultimately benefits the state.
"There is no question that the research being done at Georgia helps benefit residents," Lee said. "[Earmarks] have been well used over the years to support research that has an economic impact."
Other projects receiving funds include the Southwest Georgia Poverty Project, the, and several agricultural research projects.
"We are very grateful to representatives Jack Kingston and our senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson for the support they have given us, in helping to receive this money," said David Lee, vice president of research for the University.
Earmarks are federal funds given to government agencies for use toward specific projects.
Out of the 12 University projects that will benefit from the funding, the Energy research/Biorefinery Project will receive approximately $1.2 million, the most of any of the research projects. The project seeks to find alternative means of fuel production among other things.
"The project is a very important element in the University's effort to help make our transition to biofuel a reality," Lee said.
The transition to biofuel could affect different areas on campus including the Physical Plant.
"The most likely benefit would come from the technology produced from finding alternative means of energy, particularly at the Central Steam Plant," said Thomas Satterly, assistant vice president of the Physical Plant.
The Central Steam Plant currently operates from three fuel sources, according to Satterly, which are composed of fuel oil, natural gas and coal. The Plant provides heating for multiple places on campus including hot water and steam for cooking in the dining halls.
"It has a large impact on the campus in a variety of ways and it functions year round," Satterly said.
In addition to energy research, the University Campus Transit System will also receive approximately $1.3 million, allowing it to add four new buses.
University buses cost $375,000 each and last between 15-20 years, according to Ron Hamlin, manager for the University transit system.
"It will help close the gap between the income and outflow because the cost of operating and purchasing vehicles doesn't quite match up with the fees we charge," Hamlin said. He said the money is a one time deal but hopes that the system can be authorized for federal funding on a permanent basis.
In light of the national debates about earmarks and their use, Lee said the University's use of the money ultimately benefits the state.
"There is no question that the research being done at Georgia helps benefit residents," Lee said. "[Earmarks] have been well used over the years to support research that has an economic impact."
Other projects receiving funds include the Southwest Georgia Poverty Project, the, and several agricultural research projects.
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