Congressman Aderholt Announces Progress on Defense Program in Marshall County

Congressman Aderholt Announces Progress on Defense Program in Marshall County

"Defense is one of the nation's top priorities and funding for these programs is crucial," said Congressman Aderholt.

WASHINGTON, DC, June 10, 2005 -- Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today announced progress in continued funding for defense programs highlighted in the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations bill, which recently passed in the House Appropriations Committee. The Waterside Wide Area Tactical Coverage and Homing (WaterWATCH) program is funded in the bill that is particularly beneficial to north Alabama and Marshall County.

"The WaterWATCH program produces jobs in our area and gives north Alabama another way to positively contribute to our national defense," added Congressman Aderholt.

The WaterWATCH program is developing a capability to help protect military bases and operational forces located on inland waterways and bodies of fresh water from attack, infiltration, and surveillance. The bill includes $2 million of funding for this program, though the Administration had proposed no funding for the program in this year's bill. The work will take place in Guntersville at the newly developing Conners Island Business Park.

"It is good to be one step closer to bringing this money to north Alabama. I will continue working to see that we are able to again secure funds for this valuable project," said Congressman Aderholt.

Matt Arnold, President/CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Council, added, "We are thrilled that the funds for this program have been approved and that Guntersville will play a part in this new defense initiative. We are grateful to Congressman Aderholt for his support and promotion of Marshall County and we look forward to continued success in our efforts to promote Guntersville and Conners Island Business Park. I am excited that Don Miller has decided to make Miltec the first defense contractor to locate in Conners Island, and I am hopeful that it will be the catalyst to bring other companies of this type. The short term impact will be the 35-50 high paying jobs that Miltec will create. The long term impact will be that this will position Conners Island to be the high tech business park that the city leaders have envisioned it to be."

The Defense Appropriations bill now goes to the floor of the House of Representatives for its consideration and will then be reconciled with the Senate version before being sent to the White House for the President's signature.

Press Contact: Brad Buck 202-226-7602

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http://aderholt.house.gov/HoR/AL04/Newsroom/News+Releases/2005/Defense+Approps-+Marshall+Co.htm