Specifically, the bill includes funding the Members of Congress had sought for four projects: $2.95 million for groundfish research to be conducted by the School of Marine Science and Technology; $1.87 million for research on scallops to be conducted by the Massachusetts Fisheries Institute (a collaboration between SMAST and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries); $860,000 for the National Textile Center program at U Mass Dartmouth (which receives money from the national program based on a formula dividing the funds among the 8 participating schools); and $151,000 for cranberry research, conducted primarily at the U Mass Cranberry Station in East Wareham.

“I am pleased that we have maintained a strong level of federal support for these programs, which are so important to the economy of our area,” Frank said. “U Mass Dartmouth plays a key role in working to improve the regional economy, and these programs are great examples of that. All of the industries covered by these funds face economic challenges that are partly a result of federal policies, so I think it makes a lot of sense for the federal government to help out with this funding.”

“With this funding we move one step closer to making the SouthCoast a internationally renowned center for fisheries research, and continue to build on our successes in the areas of textiles and agriculture research,” Senator Kennedy said. “There is so much work to be done, but this critical funding support from our congressional colleagues is a strong endorsement of our local efforts.” “UMass Dartmouth is conducting exciting research on fisheries, cranberries and textiles, which will help contribute to the future economic growth and security of critical Massachusetts industries. I am pleased to have worked with Senator Kennedy and Congressman Frank to obtain these important funds.” Senator Kerry said.

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