Clemson University announces FY2010 federal appropriations

Published: February 19, 2010

CLEMSON — Clemson University will receive almost $5 million in appropriations in the fiscal year 2010 federal budget, supporting ongoing projects in critical research areas that will have direct economic impact on the state of South Carolina. 

"With the increasing financial challenges of state funding for the university, these direct appropriations become even more critical," Clemson President James F. Barker said. "We are very appreciative of the hard work of the entire South Carolina delegation in securing funding that will benefit a broad range of programs with far-reaching impact, not just on the university but on those who benefit from this research."

Members of the South Carolina delegation said the appropriations package shows the breadth of impact Clemson has on the state's economy.

“For years, Clemson University has been conducting groundbreaking research in a variety of innovative fields. Whether it is creating energy alternatives at their biofuel pilot plant or developing new materials through their advanced photonics research, Clemson is helping to empower our state and our economy. Therefore, I am pleased these programs, as well as several others, have secured the funding needed to continue their research,” said U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, who represents South Carolina's Third Congressional District, where Clemson is located.

The total Clemson appropriations package of $ 4,925,000 includes the following projects: 

• $1 million to support Clemson's research in animal and veterinary science. This funding, secured by Sen. Lindsey Graham, will allow the university to build on its existing strengths in the areas of nutritional physiology and metabolism. Provost Dori Helms said the funding will facilitate collaborative research that will contribute to improved animal and human health. "Research findings that deal with animal health often can be translated to solving human problems associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other conditions," she said.
• $195,000 for peach tree short life-fruit tree genetics. This work identifies, characterizes and manipulates the genes and gene actions that control the normal growth and development of fruiting trees, disease resistance and the quality and yield of fruits. The funding was secured through the efforts of U.S. Rep. Henry Brown and Sen. Lindsey Graham.
  
• $1.28 million for advanced photonics research. This continuation of funding for significant military research is a critical step toward delivering to the combat soldier a greater complement of sensing, targeting and communications capabilities.
• $1 million for a cellulosic biofuel pilot plant. Funding will go toward developing a commercially viable technology to convert cellulosic feedstocks to biofuels and other higher-value products. Clemson has partnered with the Savannah River National Laboratory and South Carolina State University on development of this technology to create a sustainable energy industry using renewable indigenous resources. The funding was secured by Barrett and U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis.
• $500,000 for the Clemson University Cyberinstitute. The project will further develop the South Carolina Cloud, which will improve the ability of higher education institutions, technology professionals and commercial organizations to share technology resources and expertise. It provides cyberinfrastructure and bandwidth capabilities to other partner institutions, including Claflin University, Coastal Carolina, Converse College, Francis Marion University, South Carolina State University, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and Tri–County Technical College. Funding for this project was secured through the efforts of U.S. Rep. John Spratt and Inglis. As a  member of the U. S. House Committee on Science and Technology, Inglis said this is a vastly important tool for the entire state's future. “In two years, Clemson has built a computing infrastructure that will enable the entire state to do the kind of high-speed computing essential for knowledge-based jobs and modeling," he added. 
• $350,000 for textile research. Funding will support research and development, undergraduate and graduate education, and technology transfer at Clemson in the broadly defined area of polymers, fibers and textiles research. The research will have direct impact on national security and first-responder protection and will provide the foundation for development of new, niche-focused companies in the state. Funding for this project was secured by Barrett and Graham.
• $100,000 for an advanced materials innovation center. Construction is scheduled to begin next month on the innovation center at the Clemson University Advanced Materials Center in Anderson County. The facility, supported by private investment from Duke Energy and Advance SC and South Carolina Research Infrastructure Act funding, as well as the federal appropriations, will house new high-technology companies focused on commercializing advanced materials for applications in optoelectronics, automotive applications and the biosciences. Funding for this project was secured by Barrett.
• $500,000 for technology for efficient and sustainable irrigated vegetable production.
  By establishing research and extension activities at benchmark and satellite farms across the state using capacitance sensors and automated irrigation supplies, this funding will allow South Carolina vegetable growers to have access to demonstrations, grower training and field days. Funding for this project was secured by Spratt.

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