WASHINGTON -  More than $11 million in local defense funding that will directly benefit Western New York.

The federal funding came from the Defense Appropriations Bill that will fund local projects ensuring rapid detection of biological agents in the battlefield, development of technology for faster and more maneuverable helicopters and go towards the development of electric-only ships and submarines for the U.S. Navy.

“I’m so pleased to have secured more than $11 million for some of the area’s strongest institutions,” said Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules,. “Western New York has a proud tradition of supplying our military with the tools and equipment they need. What is particularly rewarding is the role Roswell Park, CUBRC, and Hauptman-Woodward are playing in providing necessary medical research that is needed to prevent biological dangers in combat and better understand post-wound infections caused by bacteria.”

The Defense Appropriations Act includes a 3.4% pay raise for our military and continues to pay our troops an additional $500 for every month their term of service is involuntarily extended by the practice of stop loss. Slaughter voted today to invest more than $29 billion in the Defense Health Program and boost funding to support our military families with programs like child care, job training for spouses, and expanded counseling services. 

Also funded today is cleanup of the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works Waste Water Treatment Plant site in Lewiston. $1.34 million will be used to remove asbestos containing materials and demolish of unsafe structures.