(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (R-WA) today announced that $750,000 in funding for Gonzaga University was included in H.R. 2419, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives. The funding will go towards an electric utility transmission and distribution line engineering program at the University. This one of a kind program will offer a Master of Science degree as well as certification for working professionals in engineering.

A reliable electricity grid is vital to our nation, and region’s, economic security and national security,” said McMorris. “This funding will help build a workforce of skilled technicians and professionals to design and operate 21st Century electrical power grids – benefiting our region and our nation.”

“We are grateful for Representative McMorris’ leadership in helping secure federal funding for Gonzaga’s new transmission and distribution engineering program,” said Robert J. Spitzer, President of Gonzaga University. “She clearly understands the urgent and growing need for skilled and certified utility engineers in our country to design the power grid of tomorrow. We appreciate her recognition of the important role that Eastern Washington plays in the energy arena, and her efforts to win support in the House of Representatives for the Gonzaga program.”