Montana Aerospace Development Authority Accepts NASA Grant – Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg to Present $450,000 Award at MonTEC in Missoula on Saturday April 26.

Montana’s Congressman, U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R), will be presenting a $450,000 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) grant to officials of the Montana Aerospace Development Authority (MADA), a non-profit agency of public and private interests developed to promote aerospace opportunities in Montana. The presentation will take place at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 26 at the MonTec Building, 1121 East Broadway, in Missoula.

"This is about creating jobs in Montana. This grant continues the significant investment NASA is making in Montana’s developing aerospace industry, with its promise of long-term, high-paying jobs," Rehberg said. "It’s a practical and important step in enhancing Montana’s economic development progress."

"Congressman Rehberg is a man with a vision. He knows that we need high-tech industries to bring balance and new opportunities to the Montana business environment. Aerospace certainly has the potential to provide the boost the State economy needs, and the jobs that Montana’s working families deserve. Rehberg believes in a bright future for Montana, and has worked tirelessly through the federal appropriations process to plant the seeds for a better tomorrow," said George Bailey, a Vice President of MADA.

Kaye Ebelt, teacher at Target Range Elementary in Missoula and Aerospace Educator of the Year, also had high praise for Rehberg’s efforts to invigorate Montana’s aerospace industry. "On behalf of the hundreds of aerospace and aviation educators in the State of Montana, I would like to thank Rep. Rehberg and MADA for bringing to Montana the tremendous possibilities contained in the field of Aerospace Education. Aerospace education plays a significant role in the success of thousands of students," Ebelt said.

MADA was formed in January 2002, and is comprised of the University of Montana, Montana State University, MSE Inc., the Montana Economic Revitalization and Development Institute, Butte-Silver Bow County, and the Butte Local Development Corp. A nine-member board of directors governs the nonprofit authority.

The grant award is to fund the second phase of several three-year research projects, which include:

· Advanced Aerospace Power System Development: a project to identify and characterize power technologies that will enable NASA to advance air and space transportation in the next decade.

· Advanced Propulsion Concepts: research in the development of the advanced chemical propulsion concept studies including technology and experimental evaluation studies of a Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine, as well as other propulsion concepts.

· Aerospace Technology Business Development, Commercialization and Educational Outreach: designed to establish MADA as an effective organization to promote aerospace-related technology development, commercialization, and educational outreach activities in Montana.
The grant presentation will include members of Montana’s Civil Air Patrol, and an open panel discussion with key members of MADA and Montana’s aerospace industry.

Contact: George Bailey: Vice President of the Montana Aerospace Development Authority
406-243-5459

Brad Keena: Com. Dir., Congressman Denny Rehberg 202-225-2490