09.25.03

Cantwell Delivers $750,000 for Composite Training at Edmonds Community College

Funds will help train the next generation of workers to build the next generation of airplanes.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today announced Congressional approval of $750,000 for Edmonds Community College's materials science technology program. The program is critical for producing a high-qualified workforce trained in materials science, particularly composite materials that will be crucial for developing the next generation of military and commercial aircrafts, such as the 7E7.

"The training program at Edmonds Community College will help Northwest workers continue to be leaders in aviation manufacturing technologies," said Cantwell. "I am pleased to secure these funds. It is my hope that this center will help to strengthen Washington state's economy and provide new job opportunities in many different industries."

Many of the next generation of manufacturing jobs in the Puget Sound area will require composite materials manufacturing skills. Composite materials have been called the aluminum of the twenty-first century. They will not only be used in the next generation of aerospace, but also boat-building, medical equipment, transportation, and countless other industries.

Edmonds Community College President Jack Oharah stated, "Edmonds Community College is pleased to see that there is recognition of the importance of this program. So we appreciate Senator Cantwell's continued support for Edmonds Community College."

The funds were approved by both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives today. The $750,000 in the 2004 Department of Defense Appropriations Conference bill is the second installment secured by Cantwell. Last year – at the beginning of the program's creation – Cantwell was successful in winning $500,000 for the college's innovative program. The Edmonds CC program will be carried out in conjunction with Central Washington University's Lynnwood Campus, Puget Sound manufacturers, and the U.S. Air Force. The program's first classes are expected to start in September. The funds to Edmonds Community will be delivered shortly after Presidential approval.