Reynolds Wins more than $17 million in Defense Funding for Area Congressman secures funding for Harris, Icuiti, Genencor, URMC, Logical Images, PLE.

Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (12/19/05)

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence) announced today that the House of Representatives and Senate have approved his requests for $17.35 million in area funding, as part of the 2006 defense spending bill.

Reynolds won requests for $6 million for Harris RF Communications, $5.1 million for the Icuiti Corporation, $2 million for Genencor International, $2.5 million for the University of Rochester's Medical Center (URMC) and School of Medicine and Dentistry, $1.5 million for Logical Images, and $250,000 for PL E-Communications (PLE).

"This funding is critically important to keeping and growing jobs in Western New York," Reynolds said. "All five of these companies are developing cutting-edge technology in the greater Rochester area- and that means highly skilled, high-paying jobs right here at home.

Reynolds also secured $250,000 in federal funding for PL E-Communications (PLE) to be used to develop high tech security camera software for use by the military.

"This cutting-edge technology will be used by our military personnel around the world, ensuring that they are equipped with the best tools possible to carry out their mission," Reynolds said. "Furthermore, our local community will benefit from having this developed right here in the Rochester area. That means jobs and positive news for our local economy."

The funding will be used for the testing, evaluation, and modification of the "Smart Camera System" software, which was first developed by researchers at the University of Rochester. The software, which can be installed in new or older camera systems, enhances the quality of video and infrared camera sensors, which are used by the military for a variety of missions and security around the world.

"Accurate, state-of-the-art cameras are an integral part of the modern military, and thanks to PLE and the University of Rochester, our armed forces will have the tools they need," Reynolds said. "At this point in our nation's history, we are keenly aware of the need to make certain that our troops are the best-trained and best-equipped in the world. And this technology will provide our military with enhanced detection capabilities. This investment is good news for our troops, our area and our economy."

PLE's core business is research, design, and development of homeland defense and security surveillance technology. Reynolds also secured $200,000 for PLE in last year's defense bill. "I have long said that two of the greatest strengths of our region are our highly skilled workforce and proven innovative capability- and these projects are all terrific examples of this," Reynolds said. "This funding represents needed investment in our area- investment that will continue to fuel our economy and create jobs."