NORWALK -- In the face of looming federal budget constraints, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., told employees of Norden Systems on Monday that $20 million has been included in the 2009 defense budget for an improved radar system to be built at the plant.

The allocation would allow continued development of the multi-platform radar technology insertion program, designed to replace air-to-ground systems on 17 Joint Stars Air Force aircraft.The new version would expand the surveillance system to air-to-air capabilities.

"This will help with the design process for the Joint STAR aircraft," said Anthony Izzo, site director at Norden Systems, a unit of Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman.

Limited production is expected to start in three to five years.

Dodd, who worked with Department of Defense Congressional offices to secure the funding, credited the 400-or-so employees for their success in developing radar technology.

"Battlefield management is determined by what goes on here. Technology developed here saves lives every day," said Dodd.

He credited Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Defense, with shepherding the funding through.

Evelyn Morrow, an employee in the manufacturing division and a 31-year veteran of the company, assured Dodd she and her fellow workers are committed to producing a quality product. "We take a lot of pride in what we do. This is our livelihood. You can depend on us. We stand by what we do," said Morrow, who lives in Bridgeport.

Norden Systems is in the process of expanding its staff. It recently hired 10 people and expects to hire 10 more over the next several months.

The appropriation comes amidst a credit crisis that has wracked Wall Street and forced Congress to approve billions in emergency funding to shore up the nation's financial services industry.

The audience of about 200 applauded Dodd when he said top officers in the financial services and investment industries should not escape the impact of the crisis.

"Every day, 10,000 people lose their homes. I'm deeply worried about our financial situation. It's the most difficult job I¹ve ever had," said Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. "The key word is confidence -- to get our confidence back -- not only here, but around the world."