Cramer Helps Dedicate New Education Training Facility

Cramer Helps Dedicate New Education Training Facility

Huntsville, Ala. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) joined officials from the Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center today for the dedication of the Education and Training Facility.

"All of us in North Alabama are rightfully proud of our contributions to science and technology," said Cramer. "To maintain and enhance our role, we must develop tools outside of the classroom that will help train and motivate the next generation of scientists and engineers. This facility is an example of those efforts."

The Education Training Facility is a joint project of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The facility will be used for instructing teachers and for holding NASA seminars and training sessions. The 24,000 sq. foot state-of-the-art facility gives teachers from North Alabama and across the country an opportunity to gain experience with robotics, hydroponics, and crystal growth. It includes a long distance learning center, audiovisual tools, an auditorium, and high-speed internet access.

Representative Cramer is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee. His subcommittee provides funding and oversight over NASA and our nation's science projects. Through his position on this subcommittee, Cramer played a key role in securing a total of $4 million for the training facility. This includes $3 million in FY 2002 and $1 million in FY 2005. Alabama Senator Richard Shelby played a major role in securing these funds.

Cramer said, "In Congress, I work hard to ensure our community has the resources it needs to maintain and enhance its already great quality of life. I know how important it is for our community to have a strong educational foundation. I believe this facility will be utilized and appreciated by teachers, and will be an important tool for developing the high-tech workforce that we need in the future."

http://cramer.house.gov/HoR/AL05/News/Press+Releases/2006/2-10-06+Cramer+Helps+Dedicate+New+Education+Training+Facility.htm