U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison

Senate committee approves funding for UTSA-Brooks project

(July 10, 2003)--The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved $9.8 million in defense project funding that includes $2.8 million for a biotechnology education and research center at Brooks City-Base.

The Center for Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Education and Research (CEBBER), a joint venture between The University of Texas at San Antonio and Brooks City-Base, would provide research and training in the development of vaccines and biosensors.

With a dedication of the newly renovated 8,000-square-foot facility planned for next month, renovations on the facility, Building 175W, would not have taken place without the support of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hutchison helped secure more than $3 million in initial funding for construction and equipment.

"We must continue to modernize our defense infrastructure so military and civilian personnel can protect our communities," said Hutchison. "San Antonio is in the forefront of bioresearch for protection in case of terrorist attacks."

CEBBER is part of an educational partnership agreement between UTSA and the Air Force Institute for Operational Health and Risk, and will focus on vaccine research, biosensor production and research with various pharmaceutical products.

"UTSA and its local partners are committed to providing leadership in research related to homeland security and defense infrastructure, and these funds are crucial to expanding this endeavor," said UTSA President Ricardo Romo. "Senator Hutchison's support of research efforts in San Antonio does much to enhance national security nationwide."

The center will help meet San Antonio's goal of becoming a more technologically sophisticated work force that can attract other businesses to the area. The project not only supports the growing local biosciences economy, but also economic development for Mayor Ed Garza’s Southside Initiative and the city's efforts to secure a government-owned, company-operated vaccine production facility.

Hutchison's requests for San Antonio defense projects are included in a larger spending package expected to pass the Senate this week to provide $368 billion for the Department of Defense in 2004. The bill provides a 4 percent military pay raise and increases troops' housing allowance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It also provides additional funding for family separation and "imminent-danger" pay.

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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003