FY10 Appropriations

Last year, Congressman Bonner voluntarily made public his fiscal year 2009 requests.  Once again this year, Congressman Bonner is disclosing information regarding projects he has requested for funding in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations cycle.  These projects listed below have not received funding but have only been submitted to the Committee on Appropriations for consideration. 

The list includes projects requested of the congressman by various local and federal governmental entities as well as non-profit organizations.  Of the 172 projects requested of Congressman Bonner this year, he recommended 45 of those projects be considered for federal funding.  While many of these projects will not receive funding, he is hopeful that the Committee and the relevant federal agency will consider the requests.

Alabama Department of Public Safety, P. O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102

Financial cybercrimes – Operation Swordphish  $3,200,000

A state-led cybercrime initiative enhancing the state's ability to investigate and prosecute financial cybercrimes. The Dept. of Public Safety will partner with the Office of Prosecution Services and a public university to prevent theft of funds from Alabama citizens.  Victims state-wide will benefit from this initiative which will gather information on financial and electronic mail based cybercrimes, analyze and detect trends of phishing attacks, and provide a network for communication between law enforcement agencies. Will create 5 - 10 jobs and facilitate the prosecution of 6,900 annual unprosecuted known cybercrimes in Alabama that do not meet the federal threshold.

Alabama District Attorneys Association, 515 S. Perry Street, Montgomery, AL  36105

Alabama Computer Forensics Laboratories  $900,000

Computer forensic labs supporting the only law enforcement agency exclusively handling computer crime cases from investigation to prosecution - including child pornography, fraud, murder and identity theft. Monetary losses from computer-related crime exceeds that of the illegal drug trade worldwide and it is estimated that computer crimes will double in the US in the next 2 years. In 3 years, the program has assisted more than 75 outside law enforcement agencies and analyzed more than 2000 pieces of electronic evidence in approximately 851 criminal cases resulting in a multitude of convictions. Funding will create at least 2 jobs in the First District and will prevent victimization state-wide.

Alabama PALS, 340 North Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Alabama PALS, Coastal Cleanup, Montgomery, AL  $250,000

Funding will provide needed equipment for Alabama PALS, a non-profit organization, to continue the Alabama Coastal Cleanup program.  In conjunction with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama PALS has over 4,500 annual volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to this important coastal cleanup project.  Collecting over 999,998 pounds of litter and storm debris over the last 20 years, this coastal cleanup program will continue to benefit the entire state by keeping area waterways clean of debris thereby furthering Alabama’s tourism industry.

Alabama School of Math and Science, 1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604

Curriculum Development and Network Upgrade  $155,000

Funding will provide curriculum development and training for teachers of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, along with upgrades to server and computer networks for the Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS). ASMS is Alabama's statewide public school for science, technology, engineering, and math, grades 10-12. ASMS' AP program has been recognized for being in the top ten schools in Alabama for AP scores. A school with the mission of science and technology education must have adequate technological resources to carry out its purpose, and ASMS’ computer network is badly outdated and in need of replacement . As STEM education continues to be a national and regional priority, ASMS is working to educate Alabama's future doctors, scientists, manufacturers and engineers.

Alabama State Port Authority, 250 North Water Street, Suite 300, Mobile, AL 36602

Mobile Harbor Turning Basin, Alabama  $27,000,000

Funding will construct a turning basin near the mouth of the Mobile River to support increased vessel traffic serving a new container terminal, McDuffie Coal Terminal, and two raw material terminals servicing Alabama’s growing steel production.  Post-hurricane Katrina, the Alabama State Port became one of the top ten largest ports in the United States, and this project will benefit the economies of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee.  With a high benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.46, this turning basin will positively impact the nationwide freight system, international trade and national energy security while serving a positive return on taxpayer dollars.

Auburn University, 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849

Auburn University, Biomass to Liquid Fuels and Electric Power Research  $4,000,000

Funding will be used to help solve our energy and security needs by creating renewable options for electrical power and liquid transportation fuel.  Project will help meet proposed renewable portfolio standards and in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Research tasks will consist of finding cost-effective techniques for harvesting and processing forest and wood resources into uniform energy-dense forms of biofuel feedstock, study pyrolysis and fractionation to create intermediate biofuel feedstock such as cellulose, and study advanced techniques for biomass gasification and gas cleanup to produce synthesis gases suitable for downstream use in production of liquid transportation fuels and renewable electrical power.  Alabama is a national leader in biomass fuel research.

Auburn University, 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849

Invasive Species Economic Impact Research  $2,000,000

Support a study of cogongrass, an invasive grass species spreading rapidly through Alabama and the southeastern United States. The study would include mapping the spread of cogongrass, an economic evaluation of its impact, and awareness and education efforts on the regional, state and local level. Categorized by the USDA as a noxious weed, cogongrass is the seventh worst weed in the world as its tall, thick stands sap moisture and nutrients from the soil, while growing so thick that other plant and animal species are unable to exist within its bounds. Understanding the spread of cogongrass and its impact are essential to reversing the progress of this invasive weed in Alabama.

Auburn University, 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, AL 36849

Auburn University, Multi-Element Structured Filter Arrays for Naval Platforms  $4,300,000

Funding will be used to significantly increase the effectiveness of current and future Naval platforms by enhancing key war fighting capabilities such as speed, range and fuel efficiency.  Specifically, funding will reduce weight, volume and parasitic energy consumption of air filtration and distribution systems used for turbine engines, instrument/electronics cooling, and next generation shipboard fuel cell auxiliary power units.  Reductions in volume aid to off-set and de-bottleneck severe design constraints associated with increasing system/component crowding and associated thermal management.  This project directly supports the war fighting capabilities of the U.S. military and a wide range of combat platforms.

Baldwin County Commission, 1100 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532

Baldwin County, AL Courthouse Security  $500,000

Acquire and install integrated digital cameras and access controls on the premises and judicial area doors at 3 courthouse facilities.  Baldwin County is the 65th fastest growing county in the country (US Census Bureau). As such, the county has recently seen a significant increase in population and demand for public services.

Baldwin County Commission, 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12, Bay Minette, AL 36507

Baldwin County, AL Buses and Bus Facility Improvement Project  $275,000

Funding will provide additional buses and security fencing for the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System (BRATS).  Two additional buses will help meet the growing demand of BRATS that currently provides public transit services in Alabama’s largest county covering 1,596 square miles.  The high cost-of-living in Baldwin County has also increased the demand for BRATS as area workforce is moving further away from tourist attracting coastal areas.  Baldwin County is currently the 65th fastest growing county in the country (US Census Bureau).

Bay Area Food Bank, 5248 Mobile South Street, Theodore, AL 36582

Project Conserve Energy $250,000

Fund equipment acquisition and facilities renovation for the Bay Area Food Bank's warehouse in Theodore, Alabama. Funds will be used to purchase new doors for the warehouse's cooler and freezer units, to renovate and relocate the warehouse's heating and air conditioning units, and to repair roof damage. The food bank serves as a distributing partner for organizations working to eliminate hunger and in response to natural disasters in south Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Demand from food bank members along the Gulf Coast has significantly increased with the recession, and the warehouse cooler and freezer doors are inadequate for the food bank's storage needs.  The current equipment allows cold air to escape through open flaps and limits the food bank's ability to store perishable goods. Similarly, the climate control units and the warehouse roof are in disrepair making it more difficult to store food in the warehouse, the food bank's primary mission and purpose.  

Bishop State Community College, 351 North Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603

Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility  $6,000,000

Funding will be used to provide proper workforce training to meet the rapidly-growing demand for skilled technicians in the gulf coast area.  The Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility, at this public community college, will focus on training for chemical processing, steel processing, instrument and electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance in addition to training in machine shop, millwright fabrication, power distribution networks and power transmission hydraulics and pneumatics.  The state of Alabama has listed this workforce training facility initiative in its top five priorities. 

City of Atmore, AL, 201 East Louisville Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502

Atmore Airport Improvement Program, Atmore, AL  $860,000

Funding will be used to provide an access road from the airport terminal area to Highway 31, rehabilitate the runway lights and make improvements to the safety zone.  The new terminal access road will provide direct highway access to the airport hanger and terminal area.  Improvements to runway lights and correction of grading in the safety zone area will enhance safety to the flying public while complying with FAA regulations.

City of Atmore, AL, 201 East Louisville Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502

Elevated Water Tank, Atmore, AL  $550,000

For equipment and construction of an Atmore Elevated Water Tank that will provide both a potable water supply and adequate fire protection for the city’s commercial industrial development park. The water tank will also augment existing water service to the Holman Correctional Institute by providing needed backup water supply.

City of Brewton, AL, 1010-A Douglas Avenue, Brewton, AL 36426

Natural Gas Line Relocation, Brewton, AL  $1,200,000

Funding will allow the replacement of an existing natural gas pipeline that is currently located within a rail right-of-way.  The gas pipeline is difficult to access, poses several public safety hazards and is currently exposed and deteriorating.  Replacing and moving the gas line will ensure that rail commerce is not interrupted and that gas will continue to be provided in a safe and environmentally approved way to the residents of this rural town.

City of Daphne, AL, 1705 Main St., Daphne, AL 36526

Improvements to Library Equipment  $250,000

Fund the acquisition of computer hardware and software, library materials, and books for the Daphne Library. Daphne Library is a public library serving a rapidly growing city in one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. Ensuring its citizens have access to relevant and effective information and new technology is an important part of sustaining the county’s growth and ensuring the success and stability of the community.

City of Foley, AL, 407 E. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 36535

Storm Water Runoff and Stream Mitigation $1,000,000

Fund the first phase of construction of a regional storm water retention facility in this coastal community. The project will alleviate flooding problems in the City of Foley as well as assist in water quality management and stream stability of tributaries running through the city. As a coastal community, Foley annually experiences severe storms, including hurricanes, which generate massive amounts of water and significant flooding. Proper storm water and tributary management will decrease propensity for flooding and help protect Wolf Bay, which has been designated an Outstanding Alabama Waterway.

City of Foley, AL, 407 E. Laurel Ave., Foley, AL 36535

Public Safety Initiative  $400,000

Purchase and installation of monitored security cameras at public parks and areas in the 65th fastest growing county in the country (US Census Bureau).  The transient worker population of Baldwin County has doubled recently. The City of Foley has expanded public services to accommodate its changing population, but public spaces have seen an increase in underage drinking, sexual encounters, vandalism and violence. Installation of some security cameras has successfully diminished illegal activities in public spaces in this high tourist-traffic city adjacent to Alabama's beaches.

City of Jackson, AL, 400 Commerce Street, Jackson, AL 36545

Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade $797,500

Fund an upgrade of the current wastewater treatment facility by adding an additional cell to the lagoon system providing additional treatment time, a control hyacinth area and a chlorination/dechlorination system.  Jackson is currently under an Alabama Department of Environmental Management consent order for violations to its NPDES Permit and funding would help to bring this facility into compliance with current regulations.

Clarke County Economic Development Initiative, 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36541

Clarke County Economic Development Initiative  $2,000,000

Funding will be used to continue an ongoing economic development infrastructure project in Clarke County.  Project will consist of design and construction to expand the existing industrial development park.  Recently, two new companies have relocated to this park and additional infrastructure is needed to continue the county’s recruitment efforts.  Five municipalities of this county have come together and pledged their support for this park as it benefits the entire region.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center 65 Government St., Mobile, AL 36633

Gulf Coast Exploreum, Getting Kids Interested in Science $500,000

Equipment and program development for the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center's promotion of public literacy in science and technology. Equipment and programs help teachers teach science and technology curriculum and in turn help children become more interested in science and its related industries. Annually, 50,000 students and teachers take advantage of the Exploreum's curriculum relevant exhibits, labs and classroom educational programs. These basic skills present a challenge for workforce development in south Alabama and support national STEM education priorities.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab, AL, 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Biological and economic consideration of coastal fisheries population  $750,000

Joint initiative between the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a state-funded research and educational entity, and the University of South Alabama, a public institution, to research commercial fisheries critical to the state's economy and tourism.  Recreational and commercial fisheries and tourism, as well as the businesses they support, are dependent on healthy stocks of fish which require effective science-based management. Management decisions which impact the region’s economy need to be made on current research data - this study will provide data to the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Huntingdon College 1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106

Brewton Adult Degree Completion Program Technology  $41,440

Fund acquisition of videoconferencing hardware, software, and associated equipment to facilitate an adult degree completion program on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College, in Brewton, Alabama.  Adult degree completion programs promote economic development by effectively and efficiently training workers and equipping them with skills for better paying jobs. This technology will allow Huntingdon's expert faculty in Montgomery to reach students in Brewton. Huntingdon's adult degree completion program, particularly during times of economic hardship, will give workers in this rural area needed skills to find new and better jobs.

Infirmary Health System, 5 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile, AL 36607

LIFECare Electronic Health Records $4,000,000

Fund the purchase of hardware and software along with implementation and training as a part of phase two of Infirmary Health System's adoption of an integrated electronic health records system across four non-profit acute care hospitals and a network of other facilities.  Electronic Health Records (EHR) improve efficiency and reduce costs by eliminating duplicative, and potentially dangerous, tests and prescriptions. EHR also helps hospitals manage beds and operating rooms more effectively. Transitions to EHR are a priority of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mobile Airport Authority, 1891 Ninth Street, Mobile, AL 36615

Rehabilitate Taxiway “A”, Mobile Downtown Airport, Mobile, AL  $2,000,000

Fund the rehabilitation of the asphalt surface and drainage system of the southern portion of Taxiway A.  The existing drainage system located below Taxiway A has caused a failure in the asphalt surface of the taxiway located between the intersection of Runway 36 and Runway 32.  Taxiway A is the only connector for aircraft landing and taking off on Runway 14/32 which was used over 63,000 times in 2008 alone.

Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, 207 North Catherine Street, Mobile, AL 36604

Mobile Area and Sewer System Emergency Generators and Backup Pumps  $605,000

Fund the purchase and installation of 30 emergency generators and backup pumps for critical wastewater lift stations throughout the MAWSS wastewater collection and transmission system that serves the city of Mobile and outlying areas.  As a coastal community, Mobile is greatly impacted by severe hurricanes.  After a major hurricane, the power supply is often interrupted for several days or weeks until the power distribution system can be repaired and returned to service.  Without adequate generators, these pumping facilities’ untreated wastewater can overflow into tributaries and adversely affect the sensitive ecosystem for this coastal area causing severe economic and health conditions.

Mobile County Commission, AL, 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644

Mobile County, AL coastal tidal gauges  $600,000

Replace existing US Army Corps of Engineers tidal gauges with 6 new tidal gauges capable of collecting data for a 30 foot storm surge height.  During Hurricane Katrina, existing tidal gauges were inoperable as they were not equipped to handle such a strong storm surge. New gauges would allow collection of data up to a 30 foot storm surge providing emergency management with more hours to implement evacuations and preparations for this coastal county and popular tourist gulf-front destination.

Mobile County Commission, AL 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644

Mobile County, AL Emergency Operations Center  $3,000,000

Fund the initial federal share of construction for an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Mobile County, Alabama. Mobile County's current EOC is no longer sufficient to meet the county's needs. Mobile County is home to one of the country's ten largest ports with a new container terminal and a number of chemical manufacturing facilities. As a gulf-front county, Mobile County faces a likely risk of severe hurricanes and flood related emergencies. A new emergency operations center is necessary for the all-hazards approach Mobile County Emergency Management Agency must take in response to these diverse natural and potentially terrorist threats.

Providence Hospital, 6801 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608

Generator, Providence Hospital $1,350,000

Fund acquisition of a generator to back up Providence Hospital's primary generator for its air conditioning units. The hospital currently has back up generator capacity for essential medical functions, but it does not have additional back up capacity. The Mobile area has been significantly impacted by 14 hurricanes in the last 19 years, accompanied by widespread power outages. During these storms and others, Providence works with public health agencies to take on patients from many other local and regional facilities. Because hurricane season coincides with the hottest months of the year, reliable air conditioning is necessary for infection prevention, disease control, and sufficient ventilation.

Team Focus, Inc., 6110 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609

Youth Mentoring Program $500,000

Team Focus is a faith-based non-profit organization that mentors fatherless young men year round in 7 camps across the country (AL, OH, TX, MI, CA, DC, TN). Funds would provide curriculum development, equipment, and supplies for year-round mentoring programs and summer camps. Funds are critical to provide services and training at no cost and to continue growing the program. Team Focus offers - for most of the young men - the only leadership

training and male mentorship they have.  Boys without fathers are twice as likely to go to jail. Team Focus will match federal funds dollar for dollar to provide fatherless young men, ages 10 to 18, with leadership skills, guidance, and a continual relationship with a mentor. Laura Bush has praised Team Focus for teaching fatherless boys what it means to acquire skills, find a job, support a family and be loyal to one.

Town of Dauphin Island, AL, 1011 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Engineering feasibility study  $1,500,000

Conduct a comprehensive engineering feasibility/design study to determine if construction of an engineered beach will stabilize this critical barrier island and maintain its purpose as a hurricane buffer for the Alabama coastline.  As a barrier island, Dauphin Island protects Alabama's coastline from severe storm damage thereby saving more inland populated communities from more severe hurricane destruction. The island also fosters tourism and a significant commercial and recreational fishing industry supporting county and state revenue as well as thousands of jobs.

US Coast Guard Bridge Administration, 2100 Second St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20593

Mobile 14 Mile Railroad Bridge $4,000,000

Fund replacement of the 14 mile railroad bridge, previously declared for alteration by the United States Coast Guard, which is a navigational and safety hazard as well as an impediment to efficient shipping along Alabama’s waterways.

US Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, AL 36602

Alabama River Lakes  $20,672,000

To continue operation and maintenance of the Coosa-Alabama and to ensure the river operates at authorized widths and depths so it will be able to accommodate fully-loaded barges and other shipping traffic.  Funding will be used to ensure the economic vitality of the waterways will accommodate economic development projects along the waterways in Alabama.

US Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, AL 36602

Mobile Harbor  $21,562,000

Funding of the Mobile Harbor will help support operation and maintenance of the harbor.  Funding will be used for dredging of the channels in keeping with Corps requirements to ensure depth is adequate for ships that utilize the harbor.  The Mobile Harbor will help support economic development of the entire state of Alabama, Florida panhandle, southern half of Mississippi and western Tennessee through increased international trade and support.  Current vessel traffic supports a new container terminal, McDuffie Coal Terminal, and two raw material terminals supporting Alabama’s steel production.  Post hurricane-Katrina, the Alabama State Port has become one of the top ten largest ports in the United States.  Funding will assist in keeping the harbor dredged and operational not only to large ships from the Gulf of Mexico but also for the barges that utilize the waterways north of Mobile, Alabama.

US General Services Administration, 1800 F. Street, NW, Washington DC 20405

United States Courthouse, Mobile, AL  $190,300,000

Construct a new federal courthouse in Mobile, Alabama. The existing courthouse was originally constructed in 1932. There are major security concerns, such as the need to use public hallways and public elevators to transport prisoners, and no holding cells adjacent to the courtrooms.

There are HVAC and mold problems in most of the courthouse and a serious lack of space, making it necessary to stack court documents and office supplies in hallways and on stairwell landings. Once GSA constructs the facility, the court will occupy the new courthouse and pay rent to GSA for the building. The Mobile metro area is projected to be among the fasting growing

metropolitan areas in the country.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile, AL 36602

Battleship USS Alabama, Training Facilities  $2,000,000

Restore the superstructure, aft main deck and certain areas below deck of the Battleship USS Alabama.  The USS Alabama, a member of the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks, is the number one tourist attraction in southwest Alabama and serves as a training facility for all branches of the armed forces and local fire and rescue departments.  This effort is necessary in order to provide a safe training facility in areas of confined spaces, repelling operations, and rescue and recovery from ships and containers. 

University of Alabama, 201 Rose Administration Building, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

University of Alabama, Antennas for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles  $1,000,000

Funding will provide an affordable and miniature antenna structure to be used on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)  that are capable of supporting the advanced communication needs of the military.  Project will address the unstable imaging problem that exists with current UAV cameras and research will develop antenna structures that are capable of supporting proficient UAV’s communication needs in order to recognize their full potential in wartime.  The benefit and promise offered by UAVs has drawn the attention of senior military and civilian officials due to the significant impact they will have on national security. 

University of Alabama, 201 Rose Administration Building, Box 870117, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

West Alabama Autism Outreach Center,  $630,000

Fund expansion of the University of Alabama's West Alabama Autism Outreach Program, implementing a physician outreach and education program and serving the needs of rural and underserved west Alabama families, who are among 30,000 people struggling with ASD in Alabama. The center will incorporate telemedicine and personal visits to equip doctors with the tools necessary for autism diagnosis and intervention. A regional center that provides diagnostics services, intervention services, and professional education in both urban and rural areas answers a critical public health need statewide and should greatly improve the quality of life of individuals with autism and their families.

University of Mobile, AL, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, AL 36613

RamKids program  $1,000,000

RamKids is a faith-based, mentor-oriented intervention program designed for at-risk youth, grades 8 through college level, in the city of Prichard, Alabama.  Funds will support college entrance preparation programs, career exploration trips, and an extended summer program on-campus at this faith-based non-profit institution. The city of Prichard suffers from economic decline, low-education levels and high crime rates. RamKids works to break that cycle.

University of South Alabama, FCW 20, Mobile, AL 36688

Robotics Center for Situational Awareness  $1,500,000

Equipment and research focusing on developing intelligent awareness in a wheeled robot with positive benefits to Alabama's aircraft, shipbuilding, automobile and steel production industries.  Builds on the on-going robotics research undertaken at this public university. Current work has been funded by 2 NSF grants. The manufacturing industry is growing throughout Alabama and

robotics play a key role in the efficiency of the industry.

University of South Alabama, USA, AD 131, Mobile, AL 36688

Commercialization of Ionic Liquids and Engineered Biomolecules  $2,552,000

Acquire experimental and analytical equipment to build research capacity at a public university in the area of ionic liquids.  Ionic liquids have tremendous commercial value - they can enhance drug efficiency, improve air filtration and replace conventional liquids in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Funding will enable the university to attract commercial investment and establish an NSF sponsored Science and Technology Research Center within 3 years.

University of South Alabama, 1660 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL 36604

USA Emerging Technologies Radiotherapy  $4,831,050

Fund the purchase and installation of a triple photon linear accelerator, along with construction of a linear accelerator suite, special vault, and associated equipment. This project would fund purchase of advanced cancer treatment equipment for the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the only research state university-based cancer center along the upper Gulf Coast, an area with cancer infection and fatality rates higher than the national average.

University of South Alabama, 307 University Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36688

USA National Center for the Study of Medical Disaster Response  $1,245,000

Request will fund renovation of existing facilities, equipment purchase, and ongoing programmatic activities for the National Center for the Study of Disaster Medical Response at the University of South Alabama (USA). USA, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a public university based in the heart of hurricane country, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of disaster response. The center provides hospital and health personnel in Alabama and the gulf coast region with disaster management training.  The center equips hospitals, first responders, and public safety officials with the necessary information and training to prepare for and manage patients and communities' critical health and safety needs in the event of a disaster.

Utilities Board of the City of Foley, AL, 413 East Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL 36535

Western Baldwin County, AL Grid Interconnection  $1,000,000

Funding will be used for this public utility to construct a new interconnection point to the transmission grid for the purpose of providing additional electric capacity and increased reliability to a rapidly growing section of southwest Alabama.  Construction will include a new electric transmission tap point, substation and associated electric distribution circuits.  This interconnection will provide another source of electric power providing reliability and redundancy to support an improved electric system.  Project will provide stability and recovery of the electric system in the event of a natural disaster and will employ at least 20 – 30 contract employees.

Washington County Commission, Post Office Box 146, Chatom, AL 36518

Washington County Sanitary Sewer Extension  $1,650,000

Funding will be used for Phase II of an ongoing project for unincorporated areas of Washington County not currently served by sanitary sewers.  The soils in some areas of the county are generally conducive to percolation and some areas are on soils that have higher water tables that absorb water very slowly.  The county is currently working on phase I of this project and phase II would construct a 30,000 GPD on-site treatment and disposal facility, collection mains, interceptor tanks and pumps to provide 300 homes with sanitary sewer.  Washington County, one of the most economically challenged counties in the state of Alabama, is home to a new steel plant that is providing 25,000 new construction jobs and 2,000 fulltime jobs.  This much needed project will allow the county to continue to grow and recruit even more industry.