Senator Saxby Chambliss Successful in including the NNMC in 2010 National Defense Authorization Bill

Washington D.C.  June 26, 2009 Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., announced in a press release his continued support for Swainsboro by including the authorization for appropriations for critical Warfighter needs and gaps to be conducted by the NNMC and the Center's consortium, the NVC. The funding, if appropriated by Congress and the President, provides the resources against which the NVC proposes projects to the Army of benefit to the warfighter. The unique structure of the Center seeks to leverage those projects into dual-use, commercial and military, projects. By developing solutions for the warfighter with commercial applications, the Army benefits by having a sustainable supply chain and lower costs. Working closely with the Joint Development Authority (Swainsboro/Emanuel County, Ga.) the Center seeks to improve the local economy by creating opportunities for businesses. It is a model which the Center is pioneering for other rural areas and is already being duplicated. "This is a win/win situation for everyone." said Andy Riley, President of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authority and Chairman of the Center. "The goal is to provide our warfighters with the technological superiority required for our National Defense. The best way to ensure sustainability for the Army is to find commercial applications. That scenerio leads to jobs and opportunities."

The Center, which is national in scope, is already teaming local businesses and universities with organizations from across the US to fulfill its mission. "These are high tech projects and take time to develop." said Riley. "We are looking at long term, sustainable solutions, which takes patience and dedication. We very much appreciate the vision and support of our Georgia Delegation and Senator Chambliss in giving us the means to pursue this worthy goal."

The list of appropriations sponsored by Senator Chambliss includes:

"National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center Research  – Intended for the National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center in Swainsboro – Using this funding, the National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center will deliver innovative solutions to warfighter needs and gaps by utilizing nanotechnology enabled materials, devices and supporting equipment." See Senator Saxby's Press Release here...

Andy Riley is an NNMC Co-Founder,