Brookings—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today met with officials at the SDSU Materials Evaluation and Testing Lab (METLAB) and viewed some of the innovative projects at the facility. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Johnson secured over $3 million for Fiscal Year 2008 for METLAB to improve the efficiency of weapons used by our Armed Services.

“I was pleased to meet with the METLAB officials and get a firsthand look at a project that is helping our military and creating opportunities in South Dakota,” Johnson said. “This facility continues to make significant contributions to the industrial growth, economic development, and research capabilities for the entire region.”

As part of the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill, Johnson secured $3,300,000 to enable METLAB to conduct the Fatigue Odometer for Vehicle Components and Gun Barrels Project. The project seeks to monitor the health and remaining life of large caliber weapons used by the armed forces. SDSU has begun development of a materials testing center to serve not only the national agenda, but to help local and regional industries solve engineering problems through advanced materials evaluation and testing technologies and research.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Johnson is uniquely positioned to advance research programs and colleges and universities across South Dakota with programs that help grow the state.

Joining Johnson at the event were Cory Mettler, Program Manager; and Dr. Fred Delfanian, Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Today’s event is one in a series of events Johnson is holding across the state. He will hold additional events in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Custer and Aberdeen.

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For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov

To contact Senator Johnson’s communications office via e-mail, write his Communications Director at Julianne_Fisher@johnson.senate.gov