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July 19, 2007
House Approves Ellsworth Request for VU Drive Indiana Project
WASHINGTON - Living up to his pledge to disclose projects that are on track to receive federal funding, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today announced he requested federal funds for Vincennes University's Drive Indiana Project. The $350,000 in funding for the project was included as part of the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations measure approved by the House.
The funds were requested by Vincennes University and will be used to provide simulation-based training for heavy equipment operators in surface and underground mining. The project aims to address current and future Indiana labor shortages for trained miners.
"Coal is a critical component of Indiana's economy and the nation's energy independence. These funds will help ensure the mining industry of southwest Indiana has the steady supply of well-trained miners it needs," said Ellsworth. "I am proud to have supported this project, and I will continue to work for federal investment to grow and strengthen our economy and increase our energy independence."
"Vincennes University is very excited about the opportunity Representative Ellsworth has provided the coal industry in southwestern Indiana. The ‘Drive Indiana' initiative will play a vital role training southwest Indiana's existing mining workforce. Indiana coal is one of the State's most precious assets and Representative Ellsworth recognizes the economic contribution of the coal industry to the southwest corridor," said Phillip Rath, Vice President for Finance and Government Relations at VU. "This funding will allow VU to better train the existing workforce and help create a pipeline of new and better qualified miners. The end result will be a more productive and safer workplace for working Hoosiers and an investment in Indiana energy."
Passage by the House is only the first step in the process. The bill will next go to a Conference Committee of House and Senate members who will work to combine both Chambers' bills in a Conference Report. Upon passage of the Conference Report by the House and Senate, the final bill will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.
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