Byron Dorgan: “I request the Senate's support and assistance on a funding item of importance to the University of North Dakota and…”

“I request the Senate's support and assistance on a funding item of importance to the University of North Dakota and other universities involved in the consortium for advanced housing research. Several years ago, my state experienced extreme flooding in the Red River Valley. These floods destroyed thousands of homes in my state. After the flood waters receded, the University of North Dakota, UND, recognized the need for research that could increase the survivability of wood structures during natural disasters. To meet this need, the UND chemistry department began working with the Housing Research Consortium for Natural Disasters to improve the durability of wood and to increase the effectiveness of assessment and recovery technologies. Although it has taken several years, I am pleased that this research initiative has finally been identified for funding through the U.S. Forest Service. The House fiscal year 2003 Interior Appropriations Bill contains $1.7 million for this research through the advanced housing research consortium. While the initial request was substantially higher than what was contained in the House bill, I think that this funding is a good start and I urge my colleagues who will serve with me on the Conference Committee to recede to the House position on this item.”