FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Chambliss, Isakson Announce funding for Critical Personnel Development Program

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that the Senate appropriations committee approved $200,000 for the Mercer University - Warner Robins Air Logistics Center partnership to form the Critical Personnel Development Program, which is designed to encourage and enhance study in scientific disciplines.

Chambliss and Isakson worked with Senate appropriators to secure these important funds for Georgia as part of the fiscal year 2006 Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

"This partnership between the base and the university is important because it provides engineering students and aspiring scientists the hands-on training they need to enter the workforce," said Chambliss. "I am pleased to help the folks at Mercer University and Warner Robins Air Logistic Center achieve the funding they need to pursue this opportunity."

"I am pleased to announce these funds for the Mercer University School of Engineering in support of its partnership with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center," Isakson said. "Their partnership and this funding will enable the University to create a first class facility to encourage and enhance study in scientific disciplines."

"The Critical Personnel Development Program reflects the close professional relationship that exists between Mercer's School of Engineering and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. The Engineering School was established in 1985, and one of the main objectives of the school was to provide the ALC with new engineers," said Dr. Kirby Godsey, President of Mercer University. "Today, Mercer University is pleased to be the single largest provider of engineers for Robins AFB. We are grateful to both Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson for their continued support of Mercer University."

The funding will go toward construction of a training facility. The new state of the art building is specifically designed to provide academic training and laboratory research in support of Air Logistics Center mission requirements and to create regional economic development opportunities.

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