Dick Lugar: “Senator Coats and I have shared with you this year our strong support for $2 million through the HUD Economic…”

“Senator Coats and I have shared with you this year our strong support for $2 million through the HUD Economic Development Initiative Account for the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute (MPRI). The MPRI is an important economic development and cancer treatment initiative at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. This is an important effort for the University, the City of Bloomington, and the State of Indiana. Funding for this project was not included as one of the 87 projects listed for this account in S. Rept. 105-216. The MPRI project--like several science-related projects slated to receive funding as listed in S. Rept. 105-216--is beneficial from an economic development perspective as well as in the area of health sciences research and cancer treatment. This is our only project request from the VA-HUD Subcommittee this year. As you move forward with consideration of the final VA-HUD Appropriations bill, I hope you will give consideration to including funds for this valuable and worthwhile economic development project of importance to my State.”