[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on January 4, 1965, Battelle 
was selected by the federal government to manage and operate what was 
then called the Hanford Laboratories, and is now called the Pacific 
Northwest National Laboratory. I congratulate PNNL as it celebrates its 
40th anniversary. PNNL is a unique asset to my congressional district, 
to Washington State, to the Pacific Northwest and to the entire nation.
  In 1965, Battelle committed to create a robust research operation in 
the State of Washington. It has absolutely delivered on its commitment. 
In the last 40 years, the number of staff at the lab has tripled, and 
business has increased from $20 million in 1965 to more than $600 
million in 2004. As a leader in innovation, PNNL is an enduring asset 
in the Tri-Cities with many spinoff companies and technologies. As 
such, the laboratory continues to build collaborations with the 
region's colleges and universities and other scientific enterprises.
  With major contributions to national science and technology programs, 
especially in recent years on homeland and national security, the 
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a valuable national asset and 
a vital part of regional efforts to create better jobs and strengthen 
our economy.
  Since 1965, Battelle has contributed more than $13 million to not-
for-profit organizations in the region. Battelle has also invested more 
than $125 million in facilities and equipment at its campus in 
Richland. And as testimony to its excellent stewardship of the lab, 
PNNL continues to receive ``Outstanding'' ratings for management of the 
lab by the Department of Energy. It recently received its seventh 
consecutive Outstanding rating.
  As we look back on this exceptional record, we can also look forward 
with anticipation to Battelle's continued leadership at PNNL. With the 
world class staff and resources at the lab, and Battelle's excellent 
management, there is no limit to what can be done.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by sharing the strong feelings 
that all of us have in the Tri-Cities and the State of Washington--
Battelle is a great employer, a great corporate citizen, and we look 
forward to many more years of its presence and commitment to a better 
Washington, a prosperous Pacific Northwest, and a safer world.

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