Ellsworth, Lugar Secure Funds for USI Business and Engineering Center

October 15, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar and Rep. Brad Ellsworth have secured $1,000,000 for advanced manufacturing and engineering equipment at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Congress signed-off on the funding as part of the FY 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill this week.

"The long-term strength of Indiana's economy rests on maintaining a well-trained workforce," said Ellsworth. "These funds will help ensure USI graduates have the cutting-edge training and skills Indiana businesses need to recover and compete in the global economy."

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"These funds will allow USI to become a leader in advanced manufacturing and engineering education in Southwest Indiana through the purchase of educational technologies," Lugar said. "Southwestern Indiana, along with Hoosiers across the state, will soon witness the economic benefit that is sure to be gained from the innovative activities and cutting-edge collaboration that is taking place among gifted students in the College of Business and Engineering as a result of this investment."

The $1,000,000 will be used to purchase engineering and advanced manufacturing equipment for the University's new Business and Engineering Center. USI has one of only two state-supported engineering programs within the state. The Center will teach coursework in Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing, providing engineering students with hands-on experience and knowledge of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, equipment, and operations.

The FY 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill was approved by the House on October 1, 2009 and by the Senate today. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.

Source: Rep. Brad Ellsworth