newsobserver.com projects - military - Comments

Re: Perdue sees green - camouflage

BitterEXdemocrat — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:23:13 -0400

How about a REAL NC JOBS PROGRAM, BEV? Outlaw all employers from hiring ANY ILLEGALS!!!

Re: N.C. trusts military, not Wall Street

JustWondering — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:35:23 -0400

Polls like these are rather silly. People should be judged on their own records, not as a group. That having been said, notice how nonsensical these group judgments are. For example, how can we trust the military if we cannot trust the politicians who have the constitutional responsibility to regulate the military? After all, civilian politicians control the military (and that is the way it should be).

Re: N.C. trusts military, not Wall Street

omegaman — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:05:37 -0400

Another "famous" Elon Poll without the demographic data to back its findings.

Re: Kissell's military earmarks total $327m

tangoz — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:54:31 -0400

Kissell needs to tone it down. One he is a freshman. And two he said he was not a tax and spend liberal. Did he lie?

Re: Price's military earmarks: $88m

manamongst — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:36:04 -0400

These days and times are a changin and it damn well better reflect those times...meaning...no big clunky weaponry, not aircraft...unless there is a new nano recon fly that can go anywhere and listen in on any convo. So basically there better be infrastructure, base and support money there and that's about it. Nothing for contractors I'm sorry. This is the place we will cut spending people....do not let them slide this by you. They simply wanna do their favors in the shadows so they can cruise off of industrial complex contributions.

Re: Biden: You gave Iraq 'fighting chance'

tangoz — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:37:32 -0400

Didn't Biden proclaim at one time that we had lost in Iraq and it was time to divide it into 3 different countries?

Re: Republican Coble sought $90m in Democratic earmarks

Gosh — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:31:53 -0400

Stupid Republicans and their earmarks!

Just kidding, you anti-Congress ideologues blow chunky soup.

Here's your taxes back Moore County. Just be aware scared Republicans like Foxx and Myrick that think they'll lose for helping their District paid for all of this, like a siphon!

From Mecklenburg pockets to Moore County!

Requested Appropriations for the Sixth District

1. $1.2 million to complete the Uwharrie Trail in Randolph County – The purpose of this project is to purchase land to close the remaining gap in the Uwharrie Trail. Benefits of doing this include improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat to endangered species, increasing recreation opportunities, and improving water quality in the Uwharrie River watershed.

2. $6.25 million to extend the runway at the Burlington-Alamance County Regional Airport – This project will lengthen the existing runway so that it may support larger aircraft and improve the safety of the runway. It will also increase the airport’s economic viability in the area.

3. $2 million for Interstate 73/Interstate 74 in Randolph County - The project consists of an upgrade of the existing US 220 corridor in the vicinity of Asheboro to Interstate standards. This work will enhance overall safety in the future Interstate corridor, and in conjunction with the construction of a new section of future I-74 between Archdale and Randleman in Randolph County, will provide a freeway-grade link along the I-74 corridor from Winston-Salem to north of Rockingham, as well as northward along the I-73 corridor to Greensboro and Piedmont Triad International Airport.

4. $2 million to widen NC 211 in Moore County – The purpose of this project is to widen NC 211 in Moore County from West End to Pinehurst. Completion of the project will improve mobility and enhance safety for motorists using the corridor.

5. $2.5 million for the Eastern Guilford Crossing Safety Rail project to implement crossing safety improvements – The purpose of this project is to implement the crossing safety improvement recommendations from the East Guilford County Traffic Separation Study (TSS) between Franklin Boulevard and Wagner Bend Road on the North Carolina Railroad, Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor and Greensboro. This project is part of the NC Department of Transportation’s effort to reduce the occurrence of accidents at railroad crossings.

6. $2 million for US 64/NC 49 in Randolph County – The purpose of this project is to help construct a freeway on a new location that will serve as the bypass for the city of Asheboro and alleviate congestion along the existing US 64/NC 49 corridor through Asheboro.

7. $3 million for the High Point Greenway – The purpose of this project is complete the remaining 1.1 miles of the 3.8 mile-long greenway, which will serve as an asphalt trail suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, and other recreational activities. In addition, this project will complete the connection between two locally significant recreational resources: University Park and the Piedmont Environmental Center.

8. $282,000 for renovations to the Sunset Theatre and its adjacent building located in downtown Asheboro – This project will provide dollars to renovate the structural deficiencies in these buildings so they may be put to a more commercial and economically productive use.

9. $1,134,000 for renovation of the High Point Studio Complex in High Point – The purpose of this project is to renovate the existing and currently unused High Point Studio Complex. The project will build upon the existing film and television industry in North Carolina and serve to support the state’s goal to enhance the emerging animation, video gaming, and digital design industry cluster. It will also provide jobs for skilled crafts in areas such as set and costume design and construction. In addition to the jobs created, the commercial use of the studio will generate significant spending in the local community.

10. $5 million for the restoration of the Southeast High Speed Rail Double Track between railroad control points Bowers and Lake – This project, a high priority for the NC Department of Transportation, will add critical network capacity and improve freight, intermodal and passenger train reliability.

11. $560,000 for St. Joseph of the Pines Mobile Rural Health Services – This project will convert a semi-truck into a mobile source of health resources with the main goal of providing health services access to those who live in rural areas of Moore County.

12. $247,000 for the Mental Health Association in High Point for facilities upgrade – One of only two facilities providing services to the mentally ill in the High Point area, dollars will allow them to upgrade and expand their capability in meeting individuals’ needs.

13. $25,000 for the Employment Preparation project at New Man Community Development Corporation which supports job training at Sandhills Teen Challenge in Carthage – This project will provide individuals completing drug treatment with the necessary skills to re-enter and succeed in the workforce.

14. $6 million from the Navy Research and Development account and Air Force Research and Development account for RF Micro Devices Gallium Nitride RF Power Technology – This project supports Gallium Nitride-based microelectronic semiconductor technology which is important to the development of many advanced defense systems, in particular radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. More significantly, this research and development currently supports over 100 jobs in North Carolina and is anticipated to increase that number to more than 400 by mid-2009.

15. $3.9 million for the Autonomous Anti-Submarine Warfare Vertical Beam Array Sonar project at General Dynamics – This project supports further development of this stationary, acoustic array system that helps protect surface ships and submarines against submarine-launched torpedoes and anti-cruise ship missiles by detecting and reporting quiet diesel and nuclear powered submarines. General Dynamics employs many in the Greensboro area and this project will support those jobs.

16. $4 million for the Advanced Composite Armor for Force Protection project at PPG Industries - PPG is a global manufacturer of coatings, architectural glass, continuous-strand fiber glass, industrial and specialty chemicals. These coatings and fiberglass businesses are particularly well aligned to contribute to the advances in composite armor design. This project directly supports research and testing efforts at PPG’s plant in my district in Lexington.

17. $7 million for the Gallium Nitride Green Energy and Devices project at RF Micro Devices - This Air Force research project focuses on the development of the key GaN material and power device technology. The commercial application is vast with the potential to open up entirely new product areas such as hybrid electric vehicles and solar energy power distribution. Beyond the positive civilian impact, GaN green energy devices will enhance the effectiveness of many defense applications. The successful launch of gallium nitride high voltage power technology will require an additional 300 new jobs in North Carolina.

18. $6 million for the Gallium Nitride Green Power Management Electronics project at RF Micro Devices - This green power application uses GaN devices to more efficiently convert and condition electrical power than is possible with older technology. The successful launch of gallium nitride high voltage power technology will require an additional 300 new jobs in North Carolina.

19. $3.5 million for Lightweight Lithium Iron Disulfide Batteries at Energizer and $3 million for High Power, Ultra-Lightweight Zinc-Air Battery project at Energizer – Energizer has three facilities in Asheboro and employs approximately 1600 people. Two of the facilities will be impacted directly by the two Energizer appropriations projects. The facilities are involved directly in the production of metal parts (cans, bushings, nails, current collectors) for both Lithium and Zinc-Air batteries. Additionally, the facility located at 328 W. Central Avenue in Asheboro produces all battery packages. Consequently, when/if both projects migrate from the R&D stage to production, employment figures will be impacted.

20. $1 million for the Hybrid Bearing project at Timken – This purpose of this project is to continue reviewing various corrosion resistant steel for use in improved bearings for the Air Force. This project will provide the military with a completed product that meets and exceeds the requirements of the Air Force’s next generation engine and can be used in the field effectively. More importantly, this project has long supported employees at Timken’s bearing plant in Randleman.

21. $6.5 million for the Stryker Situational Awareness Soldier Protection Package at Carapace Armor Technology in Aberdeen - The Stryker Situation Awareness Soldier Protection Package is a new technology designed to save the lives of our soldiers assigned to the Army’s various Stryker Brigades, who are currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Manufactured in its entirety in Aberdeen, the StrykShield provides the driver of the vehicle extra protection against IEDs and small arms fire. In addition to saving the lives of our servicemen and women overseas, the StrykShield is manufactured in the 6th District. If this request is included in the budget, the number of employees at the Aberdeen facility would increase from the current level of 15. In addition, a short lead-time and required delivery date could be a factor when hiring additional workers.

I also support initiatives, which affect my congressional district, though they are either not located within my district’s parameters or I only represent a portion of the area which would be affected by the request. Those requests are as follows:

22. $165,520 for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s ON TRACK – LEARN MATH project - The purpose of this project is to develop a reform-based, problem-solving mathematics enrichment program for use in after school settings with elementary school-aged children. Further, this project will help provide students with invaluable tools to enrich their educational experience. Rep. Brad Miller is the lead on this request.

23. $346,775 for the Telespeech Therapy Program for Adults in North Carolina at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro - The primary purpose of this project is to deliver effective and secure speech-language therapy services via the high speed Internet to older adults in rural North Carolina. Rep. Brad Miller is the lead on this request.

24. $1 million for the Kannapolis Regional Radio Upgrade project - The purpose of this project is to maintain emergency service interoperability with the surrounding region though the conversion of the emergency communication system from analog to digital. This will allow quicker response in emergency situations. Rep. Mel Watt is the lead on this request.

25. $3.5 million for the Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation [TC]² - More than one million jobs in textile and apparel manufacturing have been lost to foreign competitors over the past 15 years. The surviving companies that serve the soft goods supply chain must employ methods and processes that enhance competitiveness and provide value to the consumer. Moreover, this project will help fund research to allow the textile/apparel industry sector to remain competitive in this troubled economy. Rep. David Price will also be making this request.

26. $13 million for the National Textile Center, $2.5 million of which will be allocated to NC State University - The National Textile Center (NTC) is a research consortium that serves the USA Fiber/Textile/Fiber Products/Retail Complex. NTC was established to achieve three primary goals: 1) Research: To discover, design and develop new materials, innovative and improved manufacturing, and integrated systems essential to the success of a modern U.S. textile enterprise; 2) Education: To train personnel, establish industrial partnerships and create transfer mechanisms to ensure the utilization of technologies developed; 3) Partnership: To strengthen the nation's textile research and educational efforts by uniting diverse experts and resources in unique collaborative projects. Reps. Brad Miller and David Price will also be submitting this request.

27. $1 million for a water line from Albemarle to Concord - The purpose of this project is to construct an 87,500-foot water line running between the two cities, Albemarle and Concord. Albemarle’s water treatment plant has an excess of raw water, while Concord and Kannapolis are struggling to meet water demands. It is my understanding that Landis, located in the Sixth District, will be served by this water line. Rep. Mel Watt has also submitted this request.

28. $6 million for Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS) – This next generation camouflage system developed by Saab Barracuda USA LLC increases survivability against advanced multi-spectral visual, infrared (IR), and radar (RF) threats, providing reduced probability of visual detection, enhanced thermal and radar signature suppression, and improved background matching. A manufacturer in the Sixth District supplies inputs for this system.

29. $1.2 million for the 8th Street Culvert Replacement – The purpose of this project is to repair the aging creek crossing for this significant east-west connector. This project benefits many residents in the Rowan County portion of Kannapolis, some of the more than 3,000 residents of the Town of Landis and some of the several thousand residents of unincorporated southern Rowan County. The residents use this road for east-west movement in the City of Kannapolis for shopping, accessing the city’s parks, YMCA, library, or for commuting to jobs. The road is indefinitely closed pending the appropriation of funding to replace the creek crossing.

Thanks Howard Coble! Good Representative! Baaad Republican.

Re: Watt sought $180m in earmarks

Hillwalker — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:22:30 -0400

"* Widen Interstate 85 in Davidson and Rowan counties, $10 million."

A worthy use of Federal funding given that stretch of interstate has become a major bottleneck. And, after redistricting in 2012, could increase the size of his district in those counties since it is only the width of the Interstate through that part of the state.

Re: Miller requested $186m in earmarks

naturalcynic — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:31:58 -0400

Hmmm, left unaccounted for is about $100 million in additional pork. Anybody still wonder why we pay and pay and pay so many taxes? Squeel like a pig all you taxpayers, I'm hearing banjo music when I see this earmark business!

Re: Biden to visit Fort Bragg

ryanteaguebeckwith — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:17:33 -0400

I thought Fayetteville was in the Green Zone...

— RTB

Re: Biden to visit Fort Bragg

j1c2kp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:45 -0400

RTB you must have been typing this one in a hurry. Go back and read it again.

Re: Biden to visit Fort Bragg

CitizenOpinionated — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:55:29 -0400

But why...President Obama did it and no one really cares?

Re: Biden to visit Fort Bragg

rmmlem — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:50:38 -0400

Hey Joe, If you take your daughter with you make sure you check her bags before going through security. Nose candy is not appreciated on base.

Re: More bills to help the military

kttechwriter — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:35:36 -0400

I'd also like to see them really step up to the plate and stop letting those leftist longhairs "march on" and threaten the ROTC offices on our college campuses, particularly the one at UNC-Chapel Hill.

A group called the Gatherng of Eagles often has to step up and go stand in front of the office, daring these liberal pacifist wimps to do anything. I don't ever see this reported in this paper.

Thankfully, the Gathering of Eagles are big guys. They ride motorcycles scare the liberals to death with the mere sight of an American flag! Bravo, GOE! These guys want to protect what's ours.

If you libs love socialism and hate the military so much, enjoy your new life in Europe. Why do you think so many of them are coming here?

We need this, folks

scharrison — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:19:16 -0400

Right now around half of the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are various National Guard and Reserve components, and North Carolina is getting ready to send 3,200 more of our Citizen-Soldiers over there. These men and women hail from nearly every one of the State's 100 counties, meaning that when they return home after combat, most of them will be too far away from major military bases to seek treatment there.

I know many reading this don't really understand what TBI is or how it can affect someone, but you should take the time to learn more. If it goes undiagnosed and untreated, it often results in job loss, families breaking apart, substance abuse and even suicide. Yellow ribbons and parades are nice, but those things are small comfort when you can't sleep at night, you have difficulty solving problems that used to be a breeze, you're constantly dealing with headaches, bright lights and noises actually hurt, you're constantly tired, etc. If neither you nor the people around you know what's causing these things, you're headed for a fall.

After all these folks have sacrificed for us, we can't leave them to struggle with this on their own. The vast majority of veterans who call NC Office of Citizens Services CARE LINE are asking if they are eligible for Medicaid. The answer needs to be a resounding "yes".

Thanks, Grier. You are the man.