R&D Money for Local Contractors in Defense Bill

Area defense contractors are in line for more than $7 million from Congress to research and develop new projects.

The money is part of the House’s 2010 appropriations bill for the Department of Defense.

The House passed it last week, and now it’s heading to the Senate.

Marinette Marine would get $3.2 million from the bill to develop a new kind of boat hull for the U.S. Navy.

Engineered Machine Products of Escanaba would receive $2.4 million.

That would pay for field tests of a new system they’ve found to reduce fuel consumption on military vehicles and make it easier to maintain them.

VIO of Marquette and Calumet Electronics in Calumet will each receive $800,000 if the bill passes the Senate.