Senator McConnell Praises UofL and UK for DOD Manufacturing Partnerships
McConnell contacted Department of Defense on behalf of UofL and UK in support of their efforts
February 25, 2014
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky today for being selected to participate in separate advanced manufacturing partnerships through the Department of Defense – UofL through the University of Illinois Labs and UK through an institute in Michigan.
“I applaud the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky for their strong applications and continued commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and research jobs in Kentucky,” Senator McConnell said. “I was happy to assist President Ramsey and President Capilouto on their efforts because these partnerships have the potential to create domestic jobs, grow the economy, and increase the competitiveness of American companies.”
“We appreciate Senator McConnell’s continued support of the research initiatives at the University of Louisville, and for our DMDI application in particular, which will help create research jobs in the area,” said UofL President James Ramsey.
“The University of Kentucky is excited to be engaged in the Navy consortium grant, that will support research and jobs important to Kentucky’s economy,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Mitch McConnell for his support of UK’s application and for his continued steadfast support of our mission of service to the Commonwealth.”
Last year, Senator McConnell contacted the U.S. Army on behalf of the UofL to express his support for its application. In a November, 2013, letter to the U.S. Army, Senator McConnell wrote, that “UofL and its partners would use this competitive funding… to hire additional research personnel to research digital techniques that may better integrate the domestic manufacturing process.”
Senator McConnell also contacted the U.S. Navy on behalf of UK’s application. In a November, 2013, letter, Senator McConnell wrote that the university would be able “to purchase necessary equipment and hire additional research personnel to spur metal manufacturing innovation.”