Erin Kelly
Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Congress this week is expected to approve a $416 billion defense spending bill that will include nearly $31 million for the Rochester and Finger Lakes area.

The money is part of a final compromise bill for 2005 spending.

The legislation cannot be amended on the House and Senate floors, where it is expected to pass easily as early as today.

Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-Clarence, Erie County, got the biggest chunk of defense money for the area, securing $17.7 million to benefit Eastman Kodak Corp., Harris RF Communications and other local businesses.

Sens. Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton, both Democrats, secured another $13.1 million.

It includes $4 million for defense research at the Rochester Institute of Technology and $2.6 million for General Motors in Honeoye Falls to create a light-duty truck for the Army that would be fueled with hydrogen. They also got $2.5 million to support the work of Rochester's National Center for Excellence in Infotonics.

Reynolds won requests for $10 million for Harris RF Communications, $2.5 million for Kodak, $2 million for Genencor International, $1.5 million for Logical Images, $1.5 million for Interactive Imaging Systems and $200,000 for PL&E Communications, all of Rochester.

The projects include:

  • Harris Corp.'s RF Communications Division will produce improved high frequency radios for the military.
  • Kodak will work with Air Force researchers to develop technology to improve intelligence gathering and identify threats to homeland security.
  • Genencor International, Inc. will develop improved products to decontaminate people and the environment in the event of an attack with chemical or biological weapons.
  • Logical Images will provide new technology that will make it easier for military doctors to diagnose skin diseases faster and determine whether rashes are the result of bio-terrorism.
  • Interactive Imaging Systems will develop a personal computer and wireless communication system that can fit into a standard pair of sunglasses.
  • PL&E Communications will develop advanced software for a smart camera system that can to detect and recognize certain objects.

Reprinted with permission from the Rochester, NY Democrat and Chronicle.