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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives today approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Defense Appropriations conference report that included $1 million he requested for the Rapid Response Database Systems Initiative at Monmouth University. The conference report reconciles differences between House and Senate bills that were passed earlier this year. The final legislation now goes to the President's desk for his signature.
The Rapid Response Database Systems Initiative at Monmouth University was established to enable early and enhanced response capabilities in the event of terrorist attacks. The $1 million Pallone secured will allow the University to build on their work by developing a software system that can be used throughout New Jersey and the nation to most effectively ensure a rapid response to all hazards whether natural, man-made, or through terrorism. The program will enable local communities to create and maintain their own exercises and plans of action custom tailored to their location and needs.
"The Rapid Response Database Systems Initiative at Monmouth University is unique in our State, and offers great educational opportunities to the students and faculty who work on it," Pallone said. "It also provides a great benefit to our state and the nation by developing a much-needed hazard response system that allows communities to be prepared for quick action in the event of an emergency."
The New Jersey lawmaker said he hopes the funding will allow Monmouth University to build on the expertise of their existing center and move forward with plans developed in their past work with the U. S. Department of Defense.
The New Jersey congressman requested the funds for the project earlier this year. The 2008 fiscal year officially began on October 1, 2007.
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