[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E429-E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARMARK DECLARATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2009

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican 
Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following 
information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding 
earmarks I received as part of H.R. 1105, the Omnibus Appropriations 
Act, 2009.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses
  Legal Name of Requesting Entities: ARS Manhattan Unit and Kansas 
State University
  Address of Requesting Entities: 1515 College Ave, Room 101, 
Manhattan, KS 66502 and 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $508,000 for Karnal Bunt (KB 
which is a disease of wheat that is caused by the fungus Tilleti 
indica. Although total deregulation of KB is scientifically justified, 
international quarantine deregulation is a slow and complex process. 
Past funded breeding programs have been successful and developed an 
array of resistant breeding lines. These lines are now in final stages 
of testing prior to variety release. As Karnal bunt research is 
completed, we request these h d s be transitioned to address new, more 
critical disease threats, such as cereal rust diseases. Since 2001, 
other serious challenges to wheat crop health have emerged, including 
new virulent races of stripe and leaf rust and the African stem rust 
race Ug99 and its variants. Resources are needed to address these 
critical disease issues and vulnerabilities in U.S. cereal production. 
I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in 
this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Salaries 
and Expenses Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $259,000 for The National 
Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) at Kansas State University. NABC 
was established to help protect the U.S. agricultural infrastructure 
and economy from endemic and emerging biological threats. There has 
been progress made with Phase I and Phase II funding, but more work is 
necessary. The NABC requires Phase 11 continuation funding to implement 
international

[[Page E430]]

linkages for food animal and food crop disease surveillance, to expand 
animal health diagnostic screening capabilities in Kansas and the 
region, to further develop a GIs-based tracking system for pathogen 
monitoring, and to populate a lessons learned agrosecurity archive. To 
address these national security needs, funding is also required for 
enhanced Internet connectivity, on-line training materials, and data 
mining tools. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial 
interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension 
Service/SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $515,000 Great Plains Sorghum 
Improvement and Utilization Center. Kansas State University along with 
Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University initiated the Great 
Plains Sorghum Improvement and Utilization Center (GPSIUC). The focus 
of the center is on genetic improcement, production systems to enhance 
water and nutrient use, innovative strategies to provide improved weed 
control. Utilization of sorghum in human food products, animal feed, 
and as a bioenergy and industrial feedstock, plus marketing, and policy 
analysis in support of the US sorghum industry. Increased funding for 
FY09 will permit GPSIUC to expand existing research and education 
programs, particularly in genetic improvement and sorghum utilization. 
Sorghum is one of the most drought tolerant crops in the world, 
offering many potential advantages as a food, feed and bioenergy crop, 
and could be a key to sustaining viable rural economies in the Great 
Plains. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial 
interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension 
Service/SRG
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $142,000 for Preharvest Food 
Safety and Security program. Currently, Kansas State University has an 
ongoing USDA special project on the ecology of E. coli 0157:H7 in beef 
cattle and the environment. This bacterial organism is a major cause of 
food-borne illnesses in humans. The university plans to expand its 
investigations into (1) the ecology of Salmonella in beef cattle, (2) 
antimicrobial resistance in cattle, and (3) agroinformatics and animal 
health diagnostics. These four areas of research have great overlap and 
synergy and will allow Kansas State University to better identify 
emerging threats of food-borne and zoonotic diseases associated with 
food-producing animals. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any 
financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension 
Service/SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $69,000 to study water 
conservation in the Ogallala Region of Kansas This effort is critical 
to the economic viability of western Kansas. In many parts of western 
Kansas, freshwater from both surface and groundwater is increasingly in 
short supply. Drought, aquifer and surface water depletion, and 
population shills have stretched community and regional water supplies 
to their limits. As groundwater supplies decline or become cost 
prohibitive, better management of water through conservation, 
recycling, and treatment of poor quality water for use becomes even 
more important. The goals of this project are to help: 1) agricultural 
producers, both crop and livestock; 2) rural communities in water-short 
areas; and 3) state agencies to implement economical technologies and 
policies that will result in water conservation and prolonged life of 
the Ogallala aquifer in the face of increasing competition for 
declining aquifers and over allocated surface waters. I certify that 
neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension 
Service/SRG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $240,000 for Wheat Genetic 
Research. Wheat is the world's most important grain for human 
nutrition, but genomics and biotechnology research has lagged behind. 
WGGRC is leading an international effort to map and sequence the wheat 
genome. The WGGRC gene bank currently maintains 12,000 lines and these 
collections are continuously expanding as the Center acquires, 
develops, and distributes new genetic and genomic resources to 
facilitate wheat genetics, genomics, and breeding research. Kansas 
State University has already made an investment of almost $1.0 million 
towards the purchase of a DNA sequencer and a robot for arraying and 
printing of DNA filters. This request will collect, conserve, and 
distribute wheat genetic and genomic resources; develop improved germ 
plasm; develop genetic stocks; develop genomic resources; and support 
training and outreach. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any 
financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Emporia Police Department
  Address of Requesting Entity: 518 Mechanic Street, Emporia, KS 66801
  Description of Project: I have secured $150,000 for the City of 
Emporia Police Department.
  The City of Emporia police department has had problems maintaining 
the pace of the replacement of equipment and staffing critical to the 
safety of the officers and members of the community. In the development 
of a five year capital improvement project, there were only four of the 
nearly 20 items that were new. Funding is requested for the purchase of 
Communication and Surveillance Equipment. I certify that neither I nor 
my spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Garden City Police 
Department
  Address of Requesting Entity: 304 N. 9th Street, Garden City, KS 
67846
  Description of Project: I have secured $150,000 for the Garden City 
Police Department. The Garden City Police Department is always looking 
for ways to be progressive and adding equipment which would help us 
monitor gang activity and prevent, or resolve graffiti and gang crime 
is sorely needed. Gang crime and graffiti have become problematic and 
public expectations for safety and prevention are high. Video 
monitoring equipment and accompanying computers and software that 
officers can access in their patrol vehicles would be of immense 
assistance to the Garden City Police Department for immediate response 
and intervention, especially in high crime areas. I certify that 
neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: DOJ, COPS Law Enforcement Technology
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Junction City Police Department
  Address of Requesting Entity: 210 East Ninth Street, Junction City, 
KS 66441
  Description of Project: I have secured $150,000 for the Junction City 
Police Department. Junction City Police Department is a 52 officer 
department located in Central Kansas next to Fort Riley military base. 
The unprecedented growth in the community is experiencing has magnified 
downfalls in their current technology and has identified the need for 
additional technology. The Junction City Police Department needs key 
technology components to merge their systems together making a more 
user friendly environment accessible to the entire law enforcement team 
rather than a limited number of educated individuals. Funding would be 
used to purchase additional technology, such as surveillance 
enhancements, GIS improvements and crime mapping technology to analyze 
crime trends and to ensure the proper application of department 
resources and manpower. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any 
financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: DOJ, OJP-Juvenile Justice
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Youthville
  Address of Requesting Entity: 11200 Lariat Way PO Box 1394, Dodge 
City, KS 67801 Description of Project: I have secured $50,000 for the 
Youthville Training Institute for Foster Families. Youthville will 
provide comprehensive training to future foster families across Kansas, 
preparing them for the challenges of caring for a traumatized child. 
The Training Institute for Foster and Adoptive Families will recruit 
and train families interested in foster parenting and adopting at-risk 
children. These

[[Page E431]]

families will be prepared for adopting an at-risk child who has 
experienced severe emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. The 
Training Institute will consist of staff that is highly trained in 
helping the families build their skills in managing trauma-based 
behaviors in children. The families and children themselves will also 
receive training that is intensive and ongoing. Families who have 
previously adopted will also be eligible for the Training Institute. 
The overall goal of the program is to assist these children in becoming 
productive members of our society by placing them in families prepared 
to deal with foreseeable challenges. I certify that neither I nor my 
spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Corps of Engineers, Section 205
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Concordia
  Address of Requesting Entity: 701 Washington Street, Concordia, KS 
66901
  Description of Project: I have secured language for the Army Corps of 
Engineers to provide assistance to The Concordia project which is 
located on an unnamed tributary on the south side of the City of 
Concordia. An existing embankment on that stream serves as a detention 
dam during heavy rainfall events and protects a residential and 
commercial development immediately downstream. This embankment breached 
as a result of heavy rainfall in 1950 and flood waters devastated the 
downtown business district. The embankment was restored, but not 
designed to current or any acceptable engineering standards, and its 
condition makes the risk of flooding to the housing and business 
district immediately downstream very high. The project will develop a 
plan to construct a safe and reliable flood protection project in 
partnership with the City of Concordia. I certify that neither I nor my 
spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Department of Energy, EERE
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $713,625 for the Kansas State 
University Center for Sustainable Energy. Kansas State University 
request funding to establish and sustain programs at the Center for 
Sustainable Energy (CSE). Through KSU's strengths in the requisite 
science and technology elements, it will foster collaborations with 30+ 
entities including other educational institutions, public and private 
research centers, private industries and public organizations with 
strategic interests in the sustainable energy. This diverse group of 
stakeholders will ensure a Center structure that fosters research 
collaborations, technology transfer, and commercialization.
  To address the grand challenges and produce ``game-changing'' 
innovations, the CSE will draw upon expertise from five major research-
specialty groups: biomass design, biomass production, biomass 
conversion to fuels and chemicals, biofuel/product utilization, and the 
socioeconomic impacts of sustainable energy. A critical mass of diverse 
investigators from academia, industry, and national laboratories plans 
and carries out broad ranging research that will produce a continuous 
outflow of sustainable processes for technology transfer, business 
development, and commercialization. Commercialization activities will 
include market assessment, policy review and legal issues, intellectual 
property generation and management, facilitating collaborations and 
creation of investment vehicles. I certify that neither I nor my spouse 
has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Department of Energy, EERE
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506
  Description of Project: I have secured $713,625 for the Kansas Wind 
Energy Consortium. A consortium (KWEC) of researchers from Kansas State 
University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas 
request funding to dramatically increase the penetration of wind energy 
via distributed wind power generation. KWEC aims to find technical and 
economic solutions to enable widespread implementation of distributed 
renewable energy resources that would apply to wind. The outcome will 
make Kansas and the nation more energy and environmentally secure. 
Additionally, with growing emphasis on renewal energy worldwide, 
success of this research would have global impact. I certify that 
neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Small Business Administration
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The University of Kansas
  Address of Requesting Entity: 1450 Jayhawk Boulevard, Room 230, 
Lawrence, KS 66045
  Descscription of Project: I have secured $100,000 for the KU Center 
for Trade and Agribusiness. The University of Kansas School of Law is 
nationally recognized for its international trade and international 
finance coursework and legal analysis. The proposed center at the 
University of Kansas School of Law would provide law students and 
faculty the ability to distribute legal expertise into the field of 
trade which is crucial to the continued economic success of Kansas and 
the Great Plains. Agriculture trade makes up the majority of state 
economies like Kansas and increasing and expediting trade will grow 
these economies. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any 
financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: EPA, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Lindsborg
  Address of Requesting Entity: 101 S. Main P.O. Box 70, Lindsborg, KS 
67456
  Description of Project: I have secured $500,000 for the City of 
Lindsborg's wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The City of Lindsborg 
engaged an engineering consultant in January of 2007 to conduct an 
assessment of the Lindsborg wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The 
three primary drivers for the assessment were safety of the wetwell, 
the expiration of the current NPDES permit in 2009 and the age of the 
facility. The wetwell receives the raw sewage into the plant for 
treatment. It is a highly corrosive environment due to sewer gases and 
the different types of waste that enters. The current wetwell is a 
safety hazard because it is a confined space with poor ventilation. The 
regular cleaning of the wetwell is a major safety issue for wastewater 
treatment plant employees.
  The WWTP is regulated by both EPA and the Kansas Department of Health 
& Environment (KDHE). On September 30, 2009, the NPDES permit for the 
wastewater treatment plant is up for renewal. As part of the study, a 
mock permit was requested from the KDHE. The purpose of the mock permit 
was to determine what the compliance requirements would be for the 
renewal permit. The results of the mock permit said that any upgrade or 
expansion must provide for a full reduction of nitrogen by 
nitrification and denitrification processes. There is also the 
possibility of more stringent effluent limits for phosphorus that may 
be applied.
  The current recommended upgrades to the WWTP are at an estimated 
construction cost of $4,534,600. Of this estimated cost, 76% of the 
cost ($3,446,296) is due to meeting regulatory, code, safety, age and 
efficiency issues. The remaining costs of improvements ($1,088,304) are 
due to capacity and biosolids handling needs. These improvements are 
needed to ensure the safety of employees, rivers/streams and public 
health. The costs of the upgrades to comply and ensure safety are 
burdensome on a small community. I certify that neither I nor my spouse 
has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: EPA, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Salina
  Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Ash St., Salina, KS 67402
  Description of Project: I have secured $250,000 for the City of 
Salina. The City of Salina, together with the Salina Area Chamber of 
Commerce are working to address a key issue that slows the opportunity 
for job creation and economic development.
  The community is developing an innovative approach to housing 
development to address workforce development issues and to stimulate 
job creation and the investment of private sector capital. The shortage 
of homes in selected price ranges is causing supply/demand inflation 
that prices many buyers out of the housing market or forces them into 
much more debt than they should incur.
  Funds will be leveraged from both public and private sources to 
reduce the infrastructure development costs that make it challenging to 
develop affordable housing. A multi-phase housing subdivision will be 
built. The first phase will be approximately 100 lots and be sold to 
the public and/or direct to builders. The homes will be limited in size 
to ensure construction of homes that are in short supply for current 
and future employees.

[[Page E432]]

  Federal funds for this project will be used for water line extensions 
and sewer lines and improvements to the new development. I certify that 
neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. I 
certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this 
project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Department of Education, Higher Education
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Emporia State University
  Address of Requesting Entity: 1200 Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 
66801
  Description of Project: I have secured $190,000 for Emporia State 
University. Biosciences capability for instruction and research at 
Emporia State University (ESU) exists in the departments of biology and 
chemistry. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) major and the 
other existing bachelors and master's degree programs in biology and 
chemistry produce graduates who have contributed and will continue to 
contribute to the technical workforce necessary for the biosciences 
initiatives envisioned by the Kansas Economic Growth Act. To meet the 
current and long-term challenges for a successful Kansas bioscience 
enterprise, funding is requested to purchase various equipment that 
would greatly contribute to Emporia State University's Bioscience 
Department. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial 
interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: Department of Education, Higher Education
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hutchinson Community College
  Address of Requesting Entity: 1300 N. Plum Street, Hutchinson, KS 
67501
  Description of Project: I have secured $238,000 for Hutchinson 
Community College. In March of 2008 Hutchinson Community College will 
break ground on an expansion and renovation of its 40-year old science 
building into a Physical and Biotechnology Science Center. Donations 
from private donors and state and local public sources will pay for the 
necessary remodeling and facility expansion. Federal dollars are being 
requested to equip the building with required safety, communication, 
and technical equipment and furnishings appropriate to learning 
environments.
  HCC's enrollment in science courses increased 33% over five years, 
leveling off only due to physical space limitations. Credit hour 
generation in science courses constitutes 12% of total college hours. 
During the 2006-2007 academic year, 2,717 students were enrolled in 
science coursework generating 11,267 credit hours. Approximately 40% of 
these students are pursuing careers in Allied Health. Other students 
are preparing for transfer to four-year baccalaureate institutions and 
more advanced scientific study. I certify that neither I nor my spouse 
has any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: HUD, Economic Development Initiatives
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: McPherson Opera House Company
  Address of Requesting Entity: 219 South Main Street, McPherson, KS 
67460
  Description of Project: The McPherson Opera House was built in 1888 
and for a number of years was the cultural, entertainment and civic 
center for McPherson County. The advent of movies, and to a greater 
extent television, negatively impacted audiences at the Opera House, 
and the auditorium, which had become a movie house, closed its doors in 
1965.
  Approximately $3,000,000 has been raised and spent on the building's 
rehabilitation, which has included the exterior and the west commercial 
portion of the building. What remains to be done is the renovation of 
the auditorium and the construction of the Arts Center beneath the 
auditorium. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial 
interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: DOT, Transportation, Community, and System 
Preservation
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas Department of Transportation
  Address of Requesting Entity: 700 S.W. Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 
66603
  Description of Project: I have secured $1,520,000 for county road 
construction and improvements for US-54. In order to provide adequate 
access to a new ethanol plant approximately 5 miles northeast of the 
City of Liberal on US-54, the Kansas Department of Transportation will 
be constructing a new, paved county road. Access to the existing 
unpaved county road off US-54 is dangerous as there are no turning 
lanes on the highway which is a High Priority Corridor and the heaviest 
traveled highway in the Liberal area. A large number of semi-trucks 
will be entering and exiting the county road which is expected to cause 
significant delays on US-54 as well as major safety concerns. In 
addition to constructing the new county road, improvements will be made 
with the US-54 intersection. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has 
any financial interest in this project.
  Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105
  Agency/Account: HUD, Economic Development Initiatives
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Salina
  Address of Requesting Entity: 300 West Ash St., Salina, KS 67402
  Description of Project: I have secured $118,750 for the Salina 
Workforce Housing Project. Funds will be leveraged from both public and 
private sources to reduce the infrastructure development costs that 
make it challenging to develop affordable housing. A multi-phase 
housing subdivision will be built. The first phase will be 
approximately 100 lots and be sold to the public and/or direct to 
builders. The homes will be limited in size to ensure construction of 
homes that are in short supply for current and future employees.
  This project will address two housing shortages that impact worker 
availability and economic development at once. The primary target is to 
develop homes that are appropriate for households with 110 to 130 
percent of median income in Salina. I certify that neither I nor my 
spouse has any financial interest in this project.

                          ____________________