The Chicago Sun Times got a nice scoop on Sen. Obama’s long awaited release of his Earmarks for Change as I call them. 

The Story is available here, ive also posted the full list of earmarks after the jump. 

OBAMA EARMARK REQUESTS: FY 2006 AND FY 2007

AGRICULTURE

Obama Requested $1.6 Million To The University Of Illinois College Of ACES For The Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $1.6 million for the University Of Illinois College Of ACES and its effort to conduct research on the Livestock Genome Sequencing Initiative (LGSI). The LGSI is part of an international effort to identify every gene of the cattle and swine species by both its unique DNA sequence and location on specific chromosomes. In addition, LGSI research is building a database to identify the function of these genes. Mapping and sequencing the cattle and swine genome will provide the basis for future biological research by improving livestock productivity and public health. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2 Million For The Soybean Disease Biotechnology Center At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the University of Illinois College of ACES and its continuing research efforts at the Soybean Disease Biotechnology Center (SDBC). The SDBC is using scientific advances in structural, comparative and functional genomics and genetic engineering, in order to protect soybean crops from diseases and improve their productivity. The Center researchers are working to identify and create new and improved mechanisms of disease tolerance and resistance to protect the soybean crop and increase profitability throughout the industry. Genetic stocks of the National Soybean Germplasm Collection, located at the University of Illinois, provide a unique, accessible resource. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million The Future Foods Initiative At The University Of Illinois College Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the University of Illinois College of ACES Future Foods Initiative. Researchers investigate relationships between functional compounds in foods and reduced incidence of chronic diseases in humans; the stability and functionality of these compounds before and after processing and storage; and the optimal processing procedures and packaging methods to ensure minimal risk from intentional or unintentional pathogenic contamination. Other research examines consumer acceptance and marketing patterns of Future Foods and social trends and environmental issues that affect the feasibility, production, marketing, and consumption of these foods. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2.5 Million For The Illinois Program For Integrated Sustainable Agriculture At The University Of IllinoisCollege Of ACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2.5 million the University of Illinois College of ACES Illinois Program for Integrated Sustainable Agriculture. The Illinois Program for Integrated Sustainable Agriculture will research and develop an integrated livestock and corn-soybean production system which will recycle valuable nutrients from the animal waste stream in an effort to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the emission of livestock wastes into the environment. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2.5 Million For The Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance At The University Of Illinois College OfACES. In 2006, Obama requested $2.5 million for the Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance at the University of Illinois College of ACES. The Illinois-Missouri Biotechnology Alliance (IMBA) is specifically charged with delivering the benefits of biotechnology to the corn and soybean industries of the Midwest, focusing on producer benefits, such as yield enhancement, resistance to pests and diseases, and acceptance of the products of biotechnology, as well as other segments of the industry through the development of valuable traits and markets. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million To Support The National Center For Food Safety & Technology At The Illinois Institute Of Technology. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the National Center for Food Safety and Technology operated by the Illinois Institute of Technology. The NCFST operates under a cooperative agreement established in 2000, which makes it the only center where industry can work collaboratively on projects with FDA scientists on food safety and technology research. Beginning after 9/11, the NCFST expanded its food-borne terrorism related activities and is now supporting FDA’s food security research initiative. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $310,000 For The Slocum Watershed Management Project In Lake County. In 2006, Obama requested $310,000 for the Lake County Slocum Watershed Management Project. The project will create a “blueprint” of how to cost effectively rehabilitate and modify the existing drainage infrastructure system throughout this sub-watershed. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $2,499,400 For The Food Stamp Participation Project Of The Illinois Department Of Human Services. In 2006, Obama requested $2,499,400 for the Food Stamp Participation project of the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Food Stamp Participation Project is development of new technology projects, which are designed to increase the access to the food stamp program. One is designed for use by the general public and the other is a web based application designed for use in food pantries. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

Obama Requested $1.75 Million For The Secure User Network For Food And Agriculture Response And Mobilization (SUN-FARM) For The Illinois Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity. In 2006, Obama requested $1.75 million for the Secure User Network for Food and Agricultural Response and Mobilization (SUN-FARM) of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Secure User Network for Food and Agricultural Response and Mobilization (SUN-FARM) will better prepare the Midwest food and agricultural industry for a major disaster, make the food supply safer and more secure, and identify and disseminate industry best practices and standards. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies, 3/31/06]

COMMERCE/JUSTICE/SCIENCE

Obama Requested $900,000 For The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Go Girl Go Chicago Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $900,000 for the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Go Girl Go initiative, which targets inactive teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 who are at-risk for social behavioral indiscretions including dropping out of school and becoming involved in drugs, alcohol, and other risky health and social behavior. The program is delivered through partner youth-serving schools and organizations. GoGirlGo also provides cash grants to enable socio-economically underprivileged girls to participate in physical activity. The program aims to work with parents, coaches, after school programs and youth organizations to get inactive girls involved in regular physical activity which prevents involvement in other socially risky behavior. GoGirlGo will provide direct financial support, free curriculum materials and technical assistance to schools, recreation agencies and 300 non-profit girl-serving organizations that are committed to addressing the needs of sedentary girls, and the program will serve as the basis for a national model. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $550,000 For The John G. Shedd Aquarium’s At-Risk Youth Monitoring Initiative. In 2006, Obama requested $550,000 for the John G. Shedd Aquarium’s At-Risk Youth Monitoring Initiative. Shedd Aquarium’s Education Department has actively engaged schools, families and communities with its innovative aquatic science programs. Shedd is dedicated to making substantive contributions in science education and community empowerment by providing new and exciting experimental learning opportunities for its diverse audiences. Through its community, mentor and teacher programs, Shedd provides a variety of resources highlighting the incredible world of aquatic biology to the local community. The mentor program at Shedd offers a variety of experiences that transcend their aquatic science focus, empowering students to explore outside of their neighborhoods. Shedd also offers scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in hopes of providing the life skills and motivation for students to continue a path of life-long learning. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $350,000 For Guardian Angel Community Services To Support Its Transitional Housing For Women And Children Suffering Domestic Violence Program. In 2006, Obama requested $350,000 for Guardian Angel Community Services’ Groundwork Domestic Violence Program (GDVP). GDVP is a comprehensive program which provides a 24/7 hotline, a 23-bed emergency shelter for women and their children as well as legal advocacy, support groups, counseling and prevention education at no cost. Increased funding will help implement a traditional housing program for female victims of domestic violence who currently reside in their emergency shelter (typically a 45-day stay). Each family will be able to stay for two years, pay rent according to their income on a sliding fee scale, and benefit from comprehensive on-site services and linkage to services as well as other community service providers. The transitional housing project was designed to accommodate women with children with only one family per unit; offer each woman/family control over their living conditions; offer safety and security in a well maintained building; accommodate on- site assistance and guidance through the presence of a resident caseworker and the assistance of a full time case aid. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $300,000 To Support The A Child Is Missing (ACIM) Program. In 2006, Obama requested $300,000 for the A Child Is Missing Program (ACIM). ACIM is a not-for-profit organization that assists law enforcement agencies, including all law enforcement agencies in Illinois, during the first few hours a child or an elderly adult is reported missing. ACIM assists in all missing cases whether they involve abduction, children who are lost, the elderly (Alzheimer’s), and mentally and physically challenged individuals. ACIM works closely with the Amber Alert and all child safety programs. Money allotted will be used for maintaining and upgrading ACIM’s telephony technology and their Illinois call lists. It will also help cover the actual cost of making the calls in Idaho, support ACIM’s Illinois law enforcement training sessions, and establish community awareness meetings involving child safety issues throughout the state of Illinois. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For The Village of Franklin Park To Support Its Law Enforcement Strategic Technology Program. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for Village of Franklin Park to support its Law Enforcement Strategic Technology Program. The Village of Franklin Police (VOFP) Department provides services to the fourth largest industrial community in Illinois and also acts as the backbone for radio communication infrastructure in the western Chicago suburbs and hosting radio service to several local communities. The requested funding will enable VOFP to expand its law enforcement capabilities in the following areas: a Village Law Enforcement Camera Network, a Mobile DisasterCommunications Command Center, a 1st Responder & Pre-plan System Expansion, Law Enforcement Facility Security, Law Enforcement Patrol and Field Modernization, Hand-Held computing devices for Criminal Investigation, and Public Safety Information Technology Modernization. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $3 million For The DuPage, Kane & Kendall County Sheriff’s Offices To Support The Tri-County In Car Video Camera Project. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the DuPage, Kane & Kendall County Sheriff’s offices to support the Tri-County In Car Video Camera Project. The DuPage, Kane and Kendall County Sheriffs’ Offices have formed a partnership with 48 other law enforcement agencies throughout their three counties to form a regional initiative to secure interoperable in-car digital video camera systems. After thorough research and evaluation of in-car video technologies, these offices and their partner agencies have determined a need for in-car video systems for the existing combined fleets of approximately 765 patrol vehicles to improve monitoring and oversight, as well as to enhance officer safety and increase each participating department’s ability to protect themselves from legal claims. Ultimately, the participating agencies believe that in-car video will enhance their individual and combined abilities to efficiently and effectively protect the safety of citizens, visitors and workers by enhancing public safety, homeland defense and emergency response capacity, and in greater cooperation with other county and regional public safety and first responder agencies. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $62 million For The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy Project. In 2006, Obama requested $62 million for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy to support its Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy project. The SOFIA is a 747 extensively modified to carry a 50,000-pound, 2.5-meter infrared telescope provided by Germany. SOFIA will fly at altitudes up to 45,000 feet — above 99% of the Earth’s water vapor — to capture infrared images not possible by even the largest ground-based telescopes. NASA selected USRA in 1996 to develop and operateSOFIA to replace the .91-meter Kuiper Airborne Observatory, a C-141 that flew successfully for over 20 years. Since then,SOFIA has progressed steadily through key milestones: delivery of the German-built telescope in 2002; installation of the telescope into the aircraft in 2003; structural testing of the aircraft and initial ground-bused testing of’ the telescope in 2004; and completion of the first-flight configuration of the NASA telescope cavity door in 2005. SOFIA is in the final phase of the Heavy Maintenance Visit, final ground testing and FAA verifications. Initial flight tests are scheduled for the latter part of 2006, depending on finding. After flight testing and functional testing of the telescope and cavity door, SOFIA will be operated at the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1.75 million For The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle. In 2006, Obama requested $1.75 million for the Northern Illinois Technology Triangle. The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle (NITT) organization has been organized for several years. During this time, feasibility studies have been conducted and organizational structures have been evaluated. The fiber optic cable on the East-West Tollway has been leased with local (City) funding through the Illinois Municipal Broadband Communications Association. The Northern Illinois Technology Triangle is the development of a technology triangle by acquiring lease rights to existing fiber optic cable on the Northwest Tollway (IL90) from Rockford to the Tri-State Tollway (IL 294), south to the East-West Tollway and West to the Interstate 39 at Rochelle. In addition, it will be necessary to construct fiber on Interstate 39 from Rochelle to Rockford to complete the triangle. The final components of the project are the electronics to “light” the fiber and the hardened facility to house the electronics. NITT members will provide the private funds necessary to match grants received. Private investors are also interested in participating with private funding. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Integrated Criminal Justice Information System. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Integrated Criminal Justice Information System. McHenry County is in the process of bringing new computer technology to the Courts, State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff’s Office and Jail. This technology upgrade is a critical first step toward integrating the County’s criminal justice information system, but it will not complete the project. Additional assistance is needed to complete the interface between law enforcement and courts systems, thereby allowing McHenry County to complete the interface between law enforcement and courts systems, allowing the County to completely utilize the benefits of a fully integrated criminal justice system. Funding for the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System will integrate information networks and develop a seamless, automated system that integrates law enforcement agencies, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Courts, the Public Defender’s Office and Probation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $450,000 For The South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police To Support Its Center For Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration. In 2006, Obama requested $450,000 for the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police to support its Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration. The Center for Law Enforcement Technology Collaboration is requesting funding to develop and implement high quality, state-of-the-art training and certification for law enforcement professionals. The Center would like to create new training programs and curricula, equip instructional facilities, and deliver high quality instruction to area law enforcement professionals. This project will be based on both practical and theory based approaches to public safety and the new dangers associated with modern day terrorism and advanced computer technology crime. The Center would provide an opportunity for law enforcement professionals to build upon their current expertise and develop timely, valued technological skills. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $675,000 For The Metro Chicago Youth For Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry Gang Prevention Program. In 2006, Obama requested $675,000 for the Metro Chicago Youth for Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry Gang Prevention Program. Developed in 1977, the Chicago Youth for Christ (MCYFC) Juvenile Justice Gang-Prevention Program provides mentoring, guidance and support to incarcerated, at-risk youth. Recognizing the potential at-risk youth have for redirection and hope, the Juvenile Justice Ministry enters the juvenile corrections facilities in an effort to reach-out to some of Chicago’s most hardened gang members. Through constant support, guidance and follow-up, the Juvenile Justice Ministry encourages these youth to make better decisions in their day-to-day lives. Their weekly visits help convince many young men and women that there are alternative choices to gang-life and gang-mentality. Funds would provide much needed additional staff and resources to expand program to more juvenile offenders. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For The Chicago Botanical Garden To Support Its Seed Bank And Plant Conservation Center. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for the Chicago Botanical Garden to support its Seed Bank and Plant ConservationCenter. In April of 2003, the Chicago Botanic Garden was asked by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to participate in the Millennium Seed Bank Project. This Project seeks to safeguard the most endangered of the world’s plants by conserving more than 24,000 species of seed-bearing plants by 2010. In order to fulfill its role in this mission, the Garden is constructing a new Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Science Center that will significantly expand the capability and capacity of theChicago Botanic Garden. Funding would go towards construction of the Chicago Botanic Garden Seed Bank and Plant Conservation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For The Lakeview Museum To support Its Planetarium For Central Illinois Regional Museum. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for the Lakeview Museum to support its Planetarium for Central Illinois Regional Museum.Central Illinois Regional Museum is requesting federal assistance for Lakeview Museum’s Planetarium, which meets a unique educational requirement for Illinois 7th grade students. Additional funding for the Planetarium would allow for further career development systems, scholarships for training, and technology enhancements and permit public programs that bring the wonders of the universe and the current astronomical discoveries to the residents of Central Illinois utilizing advanced projection technologies. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $2 million For The University of Illinois At Chicago Prisoner Reentry, Family And Communities National Resource Center. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the University of Illinois at Chicago Prisoner Reentry, Family andCommunities National Resource Center. Funding for the Prisoner Reentry, Family and Communities National ResourceCenter would be utilized to conduct research, education and community outreach activities that will contribute to the successful reentry of former prisoners. The ultimate goal is to enhance public safety, and reduce recidivism by identifying policies, practices and service delivery models that will help returning prisoners become productive members of their communities. Engagement with community organizations to strengthen the community’s resources and improve the effectiveness of services provided to returning prisoners will be a central element of this project. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $750,000 For The Windy City Harvest To Support Its Windy City Harvest Resource Center. In 2006, Obama requested $750,000 for the Windy City Harvest To Support Its Windy City Harvest Resource Center. Windy CityHarvest (WCH) is a transitional jobs training program that is grounded in a sustainable urban horticulture business. It will supply high demand food and ornamental plans to the local wholesale, retail and institution market and train ready-to-employ workers. The core business will provide pre-employment training, case management, literacy and basic skills training, transitional work experience and job placement services. Thirty to sixty trainees will be accepted into the program annually and the first group will begin in late 2006. As trainees, they will learn how to grow mixed lettuces, spinach and bedding plants, as well as how to process, package and distribute crops directly to retain wholesale markets. In addition, funding will go towards providing trainees basic skills certifications in areas such as food preparation, food safety and production, customer service, horticulture, landscape maintenance and materials handling. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $1.9 Million For The Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago To Support Its National Coordinated Law-Related Education Program. In 2006, Obama requested $1.9 million for the Constitutional Rights Foundation to support its National Coordinated Law-Related Education Program. For the past 25 years, Law Related Education (LRE) has developed a strong record of success helping to reduce the incidence of Juvenile crime in communities where its curriculum is used. The program’s primary goal is to help young people avoid delinquent behavior by developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes to become effective citizens. The LRE is made up of a collaboration of the American Bar Association, the Center for Civic Education, the Constitutional Rights Foundation in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the Phi Alpha Delta Public Service Center and Street Law, Inc. Funding is shared between the five organizations and allocated to state centers, based on need and capacity, to help them focus and target efforts to meet community needs, and reach at risk youth through the Law Related Education program. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $3 million For The Museum Of Science and Industry’s Expansion Of Its Center For Human Exploration/Henry Crown Space Center. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the Museum of Science and Industry’s Center for Human Exploration. They is the largest science and technology museum in the Western Hemisphere. The museum houses 1,070 total pieces, of which 678 are interactive units and 48 are complete exhibits. Central to the Museums revitalization plan is the transformation of the Henry Crown Space Center. Through the renovation and improvement of the space center, the museum proposes to further its commitment of providing current science and technology advances to visitors. The Museum is asking for assistance in the cost of planning, developing, initiating and evaluating the $27 millionSpace Center. The expansion of the center would enhance the innovative educational programs and exhibits the Museum currently offers. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For McHenry County’s Law Enforcement Communication System. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for McHenry County’s Law Enforcement Communication System. The funding was specified for efforts to integrate information networks and develop a seamless, automated system that integrates law enforcement agencies, the State’s Attorney’s Office, courts, and the Public Defender’s Office and Probation. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, 4/6/06]

DEFENSE

Obama Requested $4.3 Million And Helped Secure $1.8 Million For The Air Force ALERT System. In 2006, Obama requested $4.3 million and $1.8 million was funded for the Air Force ALERT System. The purpose of this project was to improve Air Force supply chain management and help document savings from lower inventory holding costs, reorders of redundant equipment, and related factors. Through CDO Technology, this effort would involve the acquisition of hardware, software, training and technical services to complete the incorporation of state-of-the-art radio frequency identification technology into ALERTS. The Air Force uses the “Automated Life Support Equipment Records Tracking System” (ALERTS) to manage many supply chain management functions for critical aircrew life support equipment, such as night vision goggles, body armor, chemical/biological defense and detection units, survival items, and escape equipment. The ALERTS system utilizes bar codes, hand-held readers, databases and associated hardware and software. Since its implementation, ALERTS has significantly improved inventory control, reducing costs and improving reliability. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $10 Million And Helped Secure $5.85 Million For The Rock Island Arsenal’s Arsenal Support Program Initiative (ASPI). In 2006, Obama requested $10 million and helped secure $5.85 million for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Arsenal Support Program Initiative (ASPI). The goals of ASPI are to encourage commercial firms to utilize and invest in Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) facilities in order to reduce product and ownership costs. Additionally, ASPI increases the utilization of existing critical skills and maintains readiness of the military industrial base. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $3 Million And Helped Secure $1.95 Million For The Compact Tactical Laser Program. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million and helped secure $1.95 million for the Compact Tactical Laser Program. Through Optical Engines, Inc., this program further develops the Direct Diode Electro-Optical Source program funded in the FY05 DOD bill at $900,000. Optical Engines is proposing to create a new program called the Compact Tactical Laser (CTL) program whereby the universal platform technology created in the DDEOS program is expanded to higher power modules, and further expanded into systems for different applications. The objective of the Optical Engines product development is to introduce to the marketplace a design that will enable the scaling and aggregation of a large number of diode lasers so as to increase the optical power and brightness that is delivered by means of fiber optic coupling. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $7.5 Million And Helped Secure $4.9 Million For The National Center for Advanced Secure Systems Research. In 2006, Obama requested $7.5 million and helped secure $4.9 million for the National Center for Advanced Secure Systems Research at the the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This project addresses critical security needs and research requirements to develop a dynamic, adaptive cybersecurity infrastructure. All research projects are designed to address future Navy cybersecurity requirements, and each is carefully reviewed and approved in advance by Office of Naval Research program management. Research activities are targeted to address high priority cybersecurity problems focused in areas of data mining, intrusion detection and analysis, development of a variety of security tools, training, and SCADA field testing. This research has broad applications and potential importance in non-defense cybersecurity, homeland security, and information assurance arenas. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $2 Million And Helped Secure $1 Million For HUMVEE Hybrid Electronic Conversion Technology. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million and helped secure $1 million for HUMVEE Hybrid Electronic Conversion Technology work at the Illinois Institute of Technology. This project seeks to apply the existing expertise of the Illinois Institute of Technology in the field of hybrid vehicle systems to develop a cost effective conversion kit to retrofit U.S. Army HMMWV (“Humvee”) vehicles with electric hybrid systems. Prototype work suggests such retrofits will produce gains in vehicle acceleration and fuel efficiency of over 50%. Moreover, the conversions can be accomplished in a highly cost effective manner. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $5 Million And Helped Secure $1 Million For The Fuel Cells for Mobile Robotics Systems Project AtChicago State University. In 2006, Obama requested $5 million and helped secure $1 million for the Fuel Cells for Mobile Robotics Systems Project At Chicago State University. This project proposes to improve the effectiveness of the military’s unmanned aerial systems by replacing conventional power supply systems with fuel cell technology packages specifically made for mobile robotics systems. The project will build and test a prototype of the fuel cell technology package; develop additional system configurations and designs for expanded capabilities (design and configuration for system safety and security in high-risk environments); build and test prototype of the expanded capabilities; perform laboratory-based tests of the fuel cell technology package; and perform tests of the fuel cell technology package in various mobile robotics system tests beds including unmanned aerial systems and others. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $8 Million And Helped Secure $1.3 Million For The High Explosive Air Burst Technology Program. In 2006, Obama requested $8 million and helped secure $1.3 million for High Explosive Air Burst Technology funding. Through General Dynamics, this project supported the 25mm Bushmaster cannon, the primary weapon on the Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and the US Marines’ Light Armor Vehicle (LAV). Under contract for System Design and Demonstration (SDD), GD-OTS is developing a Family of Ammunition for the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) to include a High Explosive Air Burst (HEAB) round. This program will upgrade the capability of the current forces BFV and LAV. Additional funding for the 25mm HEAB for the SFV and LAV will ensure this program will run effectively during its planned service until 2051. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $7 million And Helped Secure $6.3 Million For Rock Island Arsenal Industrial Preparedness Items. In 2006, Obama requested $7 million and helped secure $6.3 million for Rock Island Arsenal Industrial Preparedness items. The requested shop equipment will support production of lightweight add-on vehicle and body armor, the recently added M119 howitzer production program (the M119 is key to the Army’s brigade transformation), M198 howitzer spare parts production, M45 recoil mechanism production, M93 gun mount production and the AC-130 gunship parts production. Additionally, the requested equipment will also have significant safety and efficiency benefits for the Arsenal. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $5 Million And Received $3.3 Million For The Technology, Research, Education, And CommercializationCenter At The University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign. In 2006, Obama requested $5 million and received $3.3 million for the Technology, Research, Education and Commercialization Center (TRECC) at the University of Illinois. The TRECC program provides access to high performance computing/web technologies to industry and education organizations in an effort to promote research and development by transferring advanced technologies of importance to the Department of Defense. [House Report 109-676 (109th Congress); Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 2006]

Obama Requested $5.8 Million For the Copper Antimicrobial Research Program. In 2006, Obama requested $5.6 million for the Copper Antimicrobial Research Program. Through the Copper Development Association, this project will demonstrate the effectiveness of copper to inactivate dangerous pathogens in healthcare and other high-risk facilities and to reduce nosocomial (or hospital acquired) infections. These funds will be used to complete the pilot conversion of touch surfaces in a healthcare facility to copper alloy surfaces and to perform extensive clinical trials and comparisons, leading to peer-reviewed publication of the most effective copper-based applications to stem infections. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $8 Million For Human Genome Expression Through The University Of Illinois At Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $8 million for Human Genome Expression at the University of Chicago. Through the University of Illinois atChicago, this program will initiate the development of a digital scanning and mapping biometric program, able to map specific gene expressions to specific pathogen exposures for advanced diagnostics of war-fighters during pathogen exposures and the capability to save lives. This biometric technology would also have the potential to reduce or eliminate the need to build, maintain, and staff military classical forensic DNA facilities, at substantial cost savings. This project will use advanced diagnostic gene expression techniques to map specific gene expressions to pathogen exposure and compare these results to current technologies. The result will be a unique biometric data map offering an accurate determination of health status following pathogen exposure thereby enhancing the potential to save lives. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama requested $7.5 Million For Advanced Pathogen Titer Diagnostic The University Of Illinois at Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $7.5 million for Advanced Pathogen Titer Diagnostics at the University of Illinois as Chicago. Through theUniversity of Illinois at Chicago, this project will continue research that will baseline pathogens (e.g. small pox, SARS, avian flu, and other threats) to determine what the titer levels are at key time intervals from infection through acute onset of symptoms, identifying when titer levels are completely non-existent from common host portals. Research will identify which specimen type/portal is optimum to maximize pathogen titers for micro-array diagnostic for both RNA and DNA pathogens. The Air Force Medical Service is focusing its efforts on Infectious Disease Outbreak Surveillance Systems that use epidemiological modeling and other analytical tools that will demonstrate the system’s ability to identify, notify, and with increasing accuracy, validate outcomes. Advanced Medical Diagnostics are becoming more and more technologically flexible. Once the concentration (titer) levels are known for each pathogen, then micro-array sensitivity and specificity levels can be optimized for this dual use diagnostic. For these advanced systems to work, additional development and science is required to clarify the titer characteristics, which remains the only hurdle. Use of these chips during Air Force Expeditionary and in-garrison applications could sentinel event exposure, increase expeditionary and garrison diagnostic care, prevent disease exposure, and reduce the current costs associated with post exposure care. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $4.8 Million For A Light Emitting Diode Healing Program At The University Of Illinois At Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $4.8 million for a light emitting diode wound healing of oral and cutaneous lesions. Through the Universityof Illinois at Chicago, this program will establish a Light Emitting Diode wound healing program using hand-held tools and therapies to accelerate the wound healing of active duty and retired military personnel as well as those affected by homeland disasters. The Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) wants to accelerate the development of a tissue and wound healing assessment program involving diverse frequencies within electromagnetic spectrum for use in aviation, SPEC OPS, expeditionary, military, retiree health care, and in response to homeland disasters. The AFMS needs a device to carry into theater to initiate healing and prevent infection. LED DE/RF hand-held tools and therapies will be extremely critical in managing patients both in theater and those affected by homeland disasters and will potentially allow immediate response to wound healing, lessen infection and scaring, and reduce operation and medical costs. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $5.2 Million For A Copper Air Quality Program. In 2006, Obama requested $5.2 million for the Copper Air Quality Program. Through the Copper Development Association, this project will produce and evaluate copper components for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and to demonstrate the effectiveness of copper surfaces in reducing the incidence of harmful microbes in HVAC systems and the indoor air environments they service. The project includes the replacement and monitoring of heat-exchanger tubing, fins, condensate drain pans, filters and ductwork in a building or section of a building and trials to establish data on indoor air quality improvements. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $4.2 Million For Advance Technology Research On Fabrication At Remote Sites. In 2006, Obama requested $4,200,000 for research on advance technology for fabrication at remote sites. Through Alion Science and Technology, this program will support the unfulfilled needs of the military for maintenance and repair of parts in remote areas of operation. The program will identify specific needs for capability augmentation and a suite of equipment supported by a computer-based manufacturing database will be developed for use by the services to manufacture parts at remote sites. This suite of equipment will be integrated into a prototype transportable system for part repair or fabrication, which will be prepared for test under field conditions. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $6 Million For Work On The Roof For Building 299 At Rock Island Arsenal. In 2006, Obama requested $6 million for work on the roof for Building 299 at Rock Island Arsenal. This was the second of a six phase effort to repair the roof on Building 299 ($5.6M in FY06 funding is phase I). Building 299 is needed for additional manufacturing space at Rock Island Arsenal. Building 299 is a 775,000 square foot warehouse constructed in 1942. The building is generally in good condition with the exception of the original roof, which is severely deteriorated. In 1982, the roof was coated with an elastomeric sealant that has since failed. The coating has cracked and is dislodged in most locations. This condition results in asbestos fibers being directly exposed to the environment. The transite panels are also retaining moisture and could become structurally unsound is the situation isn’t remedied soon. This project will completely remove, and properly dispose, all asbestos containing roofing components. The sloped roof will be replaced in phases by new vapor barrier, structural purlins, metal decking and insulated standing seam metal roofing. Flat roofs will be replaced by a vapor barrier and built up roofing. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $3 Million For Improvements In Heating And Cooling At Rock Island Arsenal Facility. In 2006, Obama requested $3 million for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Quarters I project to provide more adequate heating and cooling. Over the last 30 years funding limitations and time have taken a toll on the Quarters. During this period significant maintenance and repair projects have been deferred. As a result significant renovation is now required in order to bring the quarters back to standards consistent with its cultural and historic significance. These renovations will address issues ranging from repairs of asbestos removal, peeling paint and replacement of rotten wood to correcting the in adequacy of current Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, 4/3/06]

ENERGY & WATER

Obama Requested $784,000 In Funding For The Final Phase Of The Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan. Obama wrote a letter with Durbin, Harkin, and Talent requesting that the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water provide $784,000 in funding for the final phase of the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan that was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. The federal funding will be used to complete coordination and policy issues with the Corps of Engineers, state agencies and stakeholders. The Great Flood of 1993 resulted more than $15 billion in flood damages, including 72,000 damaged homes. Although levees built by the Corps prevented an estimated $19 billion in additional damages, a coordinated and integrated system of flood and floodplain management measures could have further reduced the amount of damages. The Comprehensive Plan is the first to focus on developing and implementing a system for integrated river management to avoid overlap and conflict among the many existing and future river projects. We understand that budget constraints the committee faces, but last year’s flood damaged associated with Hurricane Katrina only underscores the need for investments such as this analysis of the Upper Mississippi River basin and its tributaries. [Obama et al., Request Letter to the Chairman/Ranking Member Of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/19/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For Water Distribution Upgrades In The Village Of Oakwood. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for the Village of Oakwood to support its Water Distribution Upgrades. The Village of Oakwood’s water distribution system was established in the mid 1930’s as a WPA project during President Roosevelt’s administration. At this time, 2″ and 4″ diameter water mains were common-place. With the growth the Village has experienced since then, these water mains need to be replaced with larger 6″ and 12″ mains for improved water pressure. There are some areas in the Village where water mains dead-end, causing water quality issues. The goal is to loop these dead-ends to improve water quality and also provide redundancy to the water system. The Village has several locations where there are no fire hydrants and/or hydrants that need to be replaced. With the Village of Oakwood having three large truck stops located at Interstate 74 near the Village northern edge, the need for adequate water supply/pressure is increased for fire-fighting in the event of a catastrophic fire. The Village has had an engineering firm complete a detailed study of the water distribution system that has identified the problems and what is required to resolve them. The engineering study has the project broken down into 18 phases, and the Village plans to complete all of these phase with this funding request, as well as local funds from sales tax revenues. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For A Regional Waterways System In The City Of Monmouth. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for the City of Monmouth to support its Regional Waterwaste System. The rapidly deteriorating wastewater treatment facilities are a pressing challenge in the City of Monmouth. The main wastewater treatment plant treats all of the municipal waste for the town. It was originally built in the 1920’s and has had to undergo numerous upgrades throughout the years. However, most of the equipment and concrete facilities are outdated and obsolete and in need of replacement. The concrete structures are disintegrating and have become safety hazards, and many areas of the facility have limited and restricted access due to the crumbling structures. Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant would provide reliable, economical and compliant treatment for both the citizens and industry of Monmouth, and studies have suggested that building one regional wastewater treatment plan would eliminate the need to construct and operate two separate plants. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2 Million For Reconstruction Of A Water Distribution System In The City Of Shawneetown. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million to support its Reconstruction of the City of Shawneetowns Water Distribution System. The City of Shawneetown has operated its own water treatment system and water distribution system since the 1 930’s. Recently the City has signed a contract to connect to the Saline Valley Conservancy Districts Regional System and that will be completed by September 2006, thus eliminating the need for a water treatment plant. This leaves the Water Distribution System to be replaced. The Distribution System is an old lead jointed system built in the 1930’s with numerous leaks. The City has been trying to acquire Grant Funds to replace the system for several years but has been unsuccessful. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million To Support The Bubbly Creek Restoration Project In The City Of Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million to the City of Chicago to support its Bubbly Creek Restoration. The City of Chicago seeks $1,000,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for restoration of Bubbly Creek, a highly contaminated segment of the Chicago River located in a near southwest side neighborhood targeted for extensive residential and commercial redevelopment. It is widely believed that much of the contamination stems from the days in which Chicagoserved as the nation’s meat-packing center. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $750,000 For An Arts And Science “Green Building” At Quincy University. In 2006, Obama requested $750,000 For Quincy University’s Arts and Science “Green Building.” Quincy University plans to build a much needed arts and sciences building dedicated to the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province. Components of the project that are critical to sustainability include: an atrium structure for the use of daylight and natural ventilation, geothermal energy to conserve on the use of fossil fuels and to be environmentally friendly; and the use of environmentally friendly and health energy systems, including heating and ventilating systems. This project is in line with the Franciscan mission of the University, and would serve as a teaching model for the entire geographic region in shaping ways that Illinoisans are committed to energy conservation. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $5 Million For The Illinois Department Of Natural Resources Demonstration Asian Carp barrier Project. In 2006, Obama requested the Illinois Department of Natural Resources receive $5 million to support its Demonstration Asian Carp Barrier project. The initial demonstration barrier was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Romeoville, IL in 2002. This demonstration barrier had a short design life of only three years, which has already been exceeded. To provide maximum protection to the Great Lakes, this facility needs to be converted to a permanent facility. The Department is seeking both Congressional authorization and funding to direct the Corps of Engineers to upgrade this facility and make it a permanent Asian Carp Barrier. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million To Support The Asian Carp Barrier Operations And Maintenance Funds For The Illinois Department Of Natural Resources. In 2006, Obama requested that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources receive $1 million to support its Asian Carp Barrier Operations and Maintenance Funds. A new, permanent Asian Carp Barrier is under construction in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal at Mile 296.5 in Romeoville, IL. The Department is the non-federal sponsor of this project, which is being constructed by the U-S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Department is seeking both Congressional authorization and funding to direct the Corps of Engineers to assume the financial responsibility to operate and maintain this facility, rather than the Department. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For Peoria County’s Senachine Creek River Restoration Project. In 2006, Obama requested thatPeoria County receive $500,000 to support its Senachwine Creek River Restoration Project. Funding for this project would allow the Heartland Water Resource Council (HWRC) to commence the River Restoration Project for Senachwine Creek. The project has the potential to establish a connecting link between the Spring Branch Conservation Area, Chillicothe Recreation Area, Chillicothe Nature Park, and the Senachwine Creek Conservation Corridor. Further, a gravel pit exists within the project area that may be able to function as a sediment detention basin and help reduce the flow of sediment into Peoria Lakes. Additionally, the entire project area is across the Illinois River from the Marshall County Conservation Area, which has seen an increased wildlife presence since the construction of islands in 1994. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $300,000 For McHenry County’s Groundwater/Stormwater Protection Investigation. In 2006, Obama requested that McHenry County receive $300,000 to support its Groundwater/ Stormwater Protection Investigation. Stormwater management in McHenry County is particularly challenging due to the County’s flat topography and broad floodplains. In the past, intensive agriculture development and urbanization did not fully coincide with the long-term consequences of altering the region’s landscape. In recent years, stormwater and flood damages have exceeded an estimated $2 million annually. Funding will go to accelerate work on studies associated with the implementation of McHenryCounty’s Ground Water/Stormwater Protection program, which uniquely seeks to address stormwater drainage and detention, floodplain management, soil erosion and sedimentation control, steam and wetland protection, and groundwater resources in a single program. The County is prepared to meet the 50 percent non-federal cost-share requirement. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $750,000 For A Neuroscience Laboratory At Dominican University. In 2006, Obama requested thatDominican University receive $750,000 to support its Neuroscience Laboratory. Dominican University was founded in 1901, and is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution offering 50 undergraduate academic programs through Rosary College of Arts and Sciences and 15 graduate programs for approximately 4,000 students. In order to enable students to observe researchers and fellow students conducting experiments, learn experimental techniques while working with brain tissue, and provide advanced students the opportunity to design and conduct their own research projects, essential laboratory equipment is needed to create a research environment in which to conduct experiments and demonstrations. Funding will go towards equipment costs, infrastructure and construction of this new facility. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For Construction Of A New Hospital Pavilion At The University Of Chicago. In 2006, Obama requested that the University of Chicago receive $1 million to support its Construction of New Hospital Pavilion. For more than 75 years, the University of Chicago Hospitals (UCH) has provided state of the art medical care on the South Side of Chicago. UCH is one of the largest Medicaid providers in Illinois, and it provided more than $90 million in uncompensated care for Medicare and Medicaid patients this past year. To continue providing the best care for patients from all walks of life, UCH is proceeding with the construction of a new 600,000 square foot facility that will ensure their ability to provide the best care for patients well into the future. Funding will go towards assisting the construction and equipping a new hospital pavilion that will increase the Hospitals’ clinical capacity by over one-third. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For An Intensive Care Unit Expansion And Renovation Project At St. Mary Medical Center. In 2006, Obama requested that the St. Mary Medical Center receive $1 million to support its St. Mary Center Intensive Care Unit Expansion and Renovation Project. St. Mary Medical Center has embarked on a multi-phased renovation of outdated facilities in several critical areas. This phase of the St. Mary Medical Center is a renovation and expansion of its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to accommodate the increasing number of patients and higher level of acuity. Built in 1974, St. Mary’s ICU has only 9 beds located in 2,500 total square feet and there have been no significant modifications to the ICU since it opened over 30 years ago. A new, expanded ICU will greatly enhance not only the critical care provided to patients, but also enhance the privacy available to patients and their families as well as provide much needed storage space for vital equipment. The overall scope of the project will increase the number of patient rooms from 9 to 11, and the overall size of the ICU from 2,500 sq ft to 6,100 sq ft. The bulk of the funding will come from the community, but some federal funding is required to help in construction and equipment costs for the renovation of this facility. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2.5 Million For A Science Storms Program At Chicago’s Museum Of Science And Industry. In 2006, Obama requested that the Museum of Science and Industry receive $2.5 million to support its Science Storms Program. TheMuseum of Science and Industry is the largest science and technology museum in the Western Hemisphere, encompasses more than 14 acres and receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The Museum’s mission and core ideology is to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. One of the key iconic exhibits is Science Storms, which uses fascinating exhibitory, including a proposed indoor four-story tornado, a contained lightning exhibit, and a 20′ diameter avalanche to teach basic principles of physics, chemistry, materials, science, motion and forces. Science Storms will replace their outdated Halls of Basic Science and Chemistry, and present compelling experiences for visitors of all ages. The Museum is seeking $5 million in federal support for this project, and is committed to raising the additional necessary funds from non-federal sources. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $300,000 For The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. In 2006, Obama requested $300,000 for theAdler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is seeking to replace and update the planetarium projection system in its original planetarium theater. The current system is approximately 40 years old and nearing the end of its lifespan. Revenues from the show are a significant source of income for the museum, and a new projection system will provide Adler the opportunity to enrich its current sky shows and develop new ones. The goal of this project is to provide world-class educational experiences in the theater, and leverage private contributions by securing federal support for the planetarium. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For The Heartland Water Resource Council (HWRC) For Storm Water Management Assistance For The Turkey Creek Watershed. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 in funding for this project would allow the Heartland Water Resource Council (HWRC) to prepare and begin to implement a storm water management plan for the Turkey Creek watershed. Restoration of this watershed is ranked fourth by HWRC, but is the top ranked watershed on the Peoria Countyside of the Peoria Lakes. Restoration of this watershed will stabilize stream banks, control erosion, and better manage storm water in Springfield Cemetery. Restoration of the Turkey Creek watershed will also preserve the natural setting of SpringdaleCemetery, a critical component of the cemetery’s history and rebirth. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $6.1 Million For The Illinois Department Of Natural Resources’ Upper Des Plaines River Basin Feasibility Study (Levee 37). In 2006, Obama requested that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources receive $6.1 million to support its Phase I Upper Des Plaines River Basin Feasibility Study - Levee 37 the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, Section (b)(10), authorized six feasible projects based on the Phase I Upper Des Plaines River Basin Feasibility Study. Preliminary Engineering and Design (PED) has progressed for the Levee 37 component and local sponsors are prepared to support the construction of this project. Federal funding is needed to cost share at 65/35 with the State of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources to implement this project. Specifically, this funding is needed to continue construction of Levee 37. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $300,000 For The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Expanded Study of Phase II of the Des Plaines River. In 2006, Obama requested that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources receive $300,000 to support its Expanded Study of Phase II of the Des Plaines River An expansion of the Phase I Upper Des Plaines River study was authorized in Section 419 f the Water Resources Development Act of 1999. The projected $18 million average annual damages, which will remain in the tributary floodplains of the Des Plaines River after the completion of Phase I project construction, is the basis for the expanded study of Phase II. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2 Million For The Thorek Memorial Hospital Cancer Treatment Center. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the Thorek Memorial Hospital Cancer Treatment Center. IFor more than 85 years, residents of Chicago have relied on the progressive health care provided by Thorek Hospital and Medical Center. Founded in 1911 by surgeon Max Thorek, the hospital began with the philosophy of providing a human atmosphere where the patient is a person rather than a case, a philosophy that carries on to this day. The Hospital is currently embarking on a three-phase/three-year project to upgrade and obtain the diagnostic radiology equipment necessary to identify and treat one of the most common ailments facing our patient population, such as Cancer. The phases involve purchasing a 64 slice high-speed PET/CT Scanner, an upgrade of the Linear Accelerator/IMRT equipment in-Radiation Therapy, and the purchase of a digital mammography unit. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1.3 Million For Will County’s Flood Studies Project. In 2006, Obama requested that Will County receive $1.3 million to support its Flood Studies for Unincorporated Will County. Will County is committed to a stormwater management program to protect lives and property of its residents, and is seeking federal assistance to aid them in this effort. Since Will County contains many creeks and streams whose watersheds have not been analyzed, the flood flows and base flood elevations for these unstudied creeks and streams are unknown. The absence of documented information has, at times, constrained development and adversely impacted the growth of the area’s tax base as well as caused area residents to apply higher than necessary flood insurance premiums. Many Will County creeks and streams drain large watersheds. While individual sections of the creeks and streams have been analyzed to secure individual building permits, a comprehensive study of the watersheds would allow Will County to prepare watershed plans that are cohesive and complete, thereby improving the County’s capacity to avoid unnecessary flooding, property damage, injuries, and potential loss of life. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $600,000 For The International Arid Lands Consortium’s For Research And Demonstration Projects On Providing Water Resources For Arid Lands. In 2006, Obama requested $600,000 for the International Arid Lands Consortium to support its WRDA project. Transitional and local disputes over water rights have the potential to increase tensions in theMiddle East and elsewhere in the world. Water shortages reduce the potential for agricultural production, preserving unique desert wetlands, improving the quality of human life, and even insuring human survival in arid regions around the globe. Water scarcity is increasingly important in the western United States and Mexico as a prolonged, natural drought cycle reduces the stability of industry, agriculture, and even current human population levels in this region. The International Arid Lands Consortium (IALC) is focusing its research and demonstrating projects on providing methods for conserving water resources in arid lands, and funding would go to support that effort. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2 Million For The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support its National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at SIU-Edwardsville. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support its National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at SIU-Edwardsville. Capital Funding for the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. The Center began operations in 2004. There are several additions and modifications needed for the pilot plant to allow it to develop new technologies for producing ethanol from the corn fiber at the facility. This is a technology that is very important for the existing corn to ethanol industry and important for the development of a bridge to the technology needed for converting other cellulosic feedstocks such as corn stover, straw and switch grass to ethanol. The modifications to the plant and additional equipment for the fiber to ethanol work will require approximately $2 million of funding over the next two fiscal years. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $4 Million For The Illinois Department of Natural Resources For New Gates At The East End of TheChicago River Lock. In 2006, Obama requested $4 million for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for new gates at the east end of the Chicago River Lock. This is a high use lock with low commodity tonnage, but most of the traffic is commercial cruise and passenger vessels. The Lock is currently operating at 15 years beyond its design life, resulting in the lack of reliability in the gate operating machinery and structural members. Gate seals are not providing the expected level of water tightness. Leakages through the gates is becoming a problem and impacting the Illinois‘ Lake Michigan diversion accounting. Reducing leakage at the Chicago River Lock is specifically mentioned in the list of activities in the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding that Illinois, the other Great Lakes states and the U.S. Department of Justice signed to resolve the dispute over Illinois’ alleged over diversion of Lake Michigan water. Improved management of Lake Michigan water used at the Chicago River Lock is essential for Illinois to remain in full compliance with the Supreme Court decree. Corps of Engineers approved the major rehabilitation project in 1999; however, no funding is included in the Corps’ budget. Delayed rehabilitation of the lock threatens the safety of millions of passengers yearly and result in total lake diversion in excess of the limitations of the 1980 U S. Supreme Court Decree by the State of Illinois. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, 4/7/06]

HOMELAND SECURITY

Obama Requested $900,000 For Governors State University’s Homeland Security And Disaster Management Center For Excellence In Learning, Research And Outreach. In 2006, Obama requested $900,000 for Governors State University (GSU) and their Homeland Security and Disaster Management Center for Excellence in Learning, Research and Outreach. The establishment of this program will position GSU as the lead academic institution in the Midwest and allow them to offer academic programs, workshops and seminars, technical assistance, service and research to enhance the capacity in the region in emergency management mitigation, preparedness and response recovery. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, 4/3/06]

Obama Requested $800,000 For Wireless Communications Technology For The Will County Sheriff’s Office. In 2006, Obama requested $800,000 for the Will County Sheriff’s Office Wireless Communications Technology Upgrades. The Will County Sheriff’s Office currently has 90 laptops that are installed into squad cars. These laptops are essential for day to day operations of the Sheriff’s Enforcement Division. Additionally, the laptops are essential for interoperability between state, local and federal agencies. The laptops allow for access to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Secretary of State (SOS) Data. The laptops have access to the Will County 911 CAD system which allows for voiceless dispatching. Also available is mapping software which enables them to find the most efficient route to their destination. In November 2006, these laptops will cease operation due to technology upgrades. Without this upgrade at a cost of approximately $800,000, Will County Sheriff Department will lose their current form of operations, along with the efficiency that the laptops provide. In addition, the Sheriffs’ Department will be unable to work on future projects such as field based reporting, access to the Circuit Clerk’s Warrant System, and integration with the Jail Management System. There will also be loss of an ability to interface with the Chicago Police Department’s system I-Clear. [Obama Request Letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, 4/3/06]

INTERIOR

Northeastern Illinois Sewer Consortium Receive $3.5 million To Support Its Northeastern Illinois Sewer Consortium Project. In 2006, Obama requested $3.5 million for the Four Lake County Communities to support its Northeastern Illinois Sewer Consortium projects. Members of the consortium joined together in 2004 to seek additional funding from the EPA’s State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) program for sanitary and storm sewer system upgrades and improvements. During wet weather events, water that does not need treatment is getting into the sanitary sewer systems in the four communities making up the Consortium. This excessive water results in an overflow of the local collector sewers, causing basement backups and sanitary sewer overflows released into streams, ditches and other waterways. Funds would be used towards working on the storm and sanitary sewers in each community, including lining of sewers, point repairs on broken or collapsed segments within the systems, and upgrades of the system. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2 million For Olympia Fields To Support Its Storm Water Conveyance Improvements. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for Olympia Fields to support its Olympia Fields Storm Water Conveyance Improvements. Olympia Fields is located within the Butterfield Creek watershed which is the main source of storm water drainage for an area encompassing approximately 26 square miles. 1983 Olympia Fields, Richton Park, Matteson, and several other neighboring towns established the Butterfield Creek Steering Committee to address the need for flood control and adopt a comprehensive program for the future of the watershed. Dredging and debris removal is necessary in order to restore the volumetric capacity of the pond to the original design and, thus, reduce the current conditions that have led to the frequent and problematic flooding within subdivisions and areas downstream in the Butterfield Creek Watershed. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 million For The Village Of Park Forest To Support Its Sanitary Sewer Upgrades. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for the Village of Park Forest to support its Sanitary Sewer Upgrades. The Park Forest community was founded in 1948 and the underground infrastructure is now reaching the end of its design life, in particular with regards to an aging sanitary sewer system. The two main issues that the Village needs to address are the structural and functional integrity of the sanitary sewer system and reducing the infiltration of ground water into the sanitary system. Their proposed project will consist of sanitary sewer point repairs and sewer lining for the multi-family, rentals, co-ops, and condo neighborhoods in the Village of Park Forest. Point Repair work will consist of excavation, replacing damaged sanitary sewer pipe with specific materials, stone bedding, and backfilling the hole. Park Forest is currently administering and implementing point repair and sanitary sewer lining projects with revenues generated and with what is allowable in the current budget, and the Village has a plan set in place for federal funding, as it would aid in accomplishing all of the goals they’ve set forth and improve development times to approximately 2-3 years. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $7 million For The Wheaton Sanitary District to support its Water Environment Research Foundation. In 2006, Obama requested $7 million for the Wheaton Sanitary District to support its Water Environment Research Foundation. Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is a non-profit research organization serving municipal wastewater facilities nationwide by providing objective, peer reviewed research to assist wastewater treatment facilities in serving their ratepayers more efficiently and effectively while protecting and enhancing water quality. Since its inception, WERF has contributed to the development of new water quality processes and technology and provided information to inform the regulatory process that has produced over a billion dollars in savings to ratepayers. National priorities such as TMDLs, nutrient management, watershed management, asset management, water reuse, and new technologies are all addressed through WERF programs. Locally, meeting new water quality standards addressing nutrient discharges from treatment plants, expected within the next four years, adaptive and phased management of TMDL implementation plans and designated uses and use attainability are issues being addressed by WERF, bringing resources and costs under control for local organizations in the community. Funding is requested in order for WERF to continue this credible and forward-looking research for Illinois‘ residents. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $120,000 For The Water Environment Research Foundation To Support Its Countywide Wetland Preservation And Restoration Plan. In 2006, Obama requested $120,000 for the Water Environment Research Foundation to support its Countywide Wetland Preservation and Restoration Plan. Despite having a comprehensive wetland inventory since 1992, Lake County lacks a countywide plan identifying wetlands needing preservation and/or restoration as a way to reduce flood damages, improve water quality, and protect high quality natural resources. The Northern Illinois Planning Commission has shown a loss of over 42% of its wetlands, and the County needs to preserve and restore their remaining wetlands. Continued losses could exacerbate flooding, and degrade water quality while continuing to negatively impact wetland resources. Funding would help them prepare a countywide plan that will identify key wetlands to preserve and restore, as a multi-objective method to reduce flood damages, improve water quality, and protect high quality natural resources. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1, 953, 331 For Will County To Support Its Ridgewood Water And Sewage Project. In 2006, Obama requested $1,953,331 for Will County’s Ridgewood Water and Sewage Project. Ridgewood is located in northeast JolietTownship, in Will County, IL. The community has numerous under served residents and is plagued by inadequate drainage, sanitary sewers, portable water, and roadways. As a result, there have been a series of health hazards for Ridgewood’s residents that are directly related to the sanitary sewer and portable water issues. Funding is needed to implement a 5-year program that will address both of these critical needs for County residents. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $405,000 For The Village Of Olympia Fields To Support Its Water Pumping System Improvement Program. In 2006, Obama requested $405,000 for the Village of Olympia Fields to support its Water Pumping System Improvement Program. The Village of Olympia Fields is located in south Cook County, Illinois, and has approximately 41.6 miles of aging existing water main that services the Village’s residents and businesses. Their Project is essentially three-fold. The first phase of the Project is to complete a Hydraulic Water Model Study of the Village’s current water system. The second phase includes installing Variable Frequency Drives on three of the four existing pumps within the Village’s Water Pumping Station that are currently constant speed pumps, in order to meet the necessary demands and account for more or less, as required. The last phase includes installation of an improved system for remotely monitoring and controlling the Village’s water pumping station, which will allow the Village to manage their sanitary and water system more efficiently. In addition, the new wireless system would allow both their Police and Fire departments to monitor the systems alerting them of dangerous situations that could impact health, safety or welfare of residents in the event of a system failure, vandalism, or domestic terrorist attack. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $750,000 For The Lakeview Museum’s Illinois River Interpretive Center. In 2006, Obama requested $750,000 for the Lakeview Museum’s Illinois River Interpretive Center. The Illinois River Interpretive Center will be a component within the new Central Illinois Regional Museum. The Museum Collaboration Group is designing and construction a new state-of-the-art museum facility in downtown Peoria. The Illinois River Interpretive Center will allow museum visitors, and Illinois students, an opportunity to follow a virtual timeline and learn about the river’s progression from the ice age to present day, with a focus on education and environmental impacts. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $2 million For Lake County’s Watershed Plan Implementation Project. In 2006, Obama requested $2 million for Lake County’s Watershed Plan Implementation Project. Seven watersheds in the Lake County area have experienced flood damage along with degraded water quality and habitat due to urbanization and agricultural activity. Development pressure is increasing in all seven watersheds with potential to exacerbate the current flooding, water quality, and other problems in each watershed while also negatively impacting natural resources. Comprehensive watershed plans have been completed, or are nearing completion for each, and current management plans identify site-specific structural and non-structural solutions and eco-system restoration projects to remedy existing degradation. These projects will improve water quality and habitat while enhancing storm water management and infrastructure for each of the above listed watersheds. Lake County would benefit for federal funds, in order to implement the highest priority projects recommendations in each of these watersheds. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $1 Million For The Village of Park Forest To Support Its Water Main Distribution System. In 2006, Obama requested $1 million for the Village of Park Forest’s Water Main Distribution System. The Village of Park Forest plans to address two main issues: 1) reducing the frequency of water main breaks by addressing the structural and functional integrity of the water main distribution system and 2) meeting Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire flow requirements. Overall, the Village plans to replace the entire water distribution system, serving 23,000 residents, as necessary, with their main focus on the oldest and low flow water mains of the community and proceed to the newer and most compliant mains. [Obama Request Letter To The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, 4/7/06]

Obama Requested $500,000 For The University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign To Support Its Midwest TechnologyAssistance Center For Small Public Water Systems. In 2006, Obama requested $500,000 for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its Midwest Technology Assistance Center