Torres, Napolitano, Carbajal Deliver $10 Million for Cal Poly-Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership

WASHINGTON - Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today announced the inclusion of $10 million to support U.S. Air Force Educational Partnership Agreements (EPAs) at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the omnibus government funding bill that passed the House last week.

The funding will allow the universities to create new and innovative laboratories to test subsonic Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technologies, accelerating the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) strategic initiatives for autonomous logistic systems and advancing efforts in development, analysis, and operations of high-speed systems via a new flight-testing platform.

"This valuable partnership will create unparalleled learning opportunities for students while helping the U.S. Air Force develop new technologies," said Congresswoman Torres. "I'm proud the Air Force is investing in the next-generation workforce right here in the Inland Empire to prepare our students for high-technology careers and bright futures. I thank Representatives Napolitano and Carbajal for working with me to secure these funds."

"This new federal funding will further drive innovation and educate the next generation of aerospace engineers at these schools - two of our nation's premier applied research institutions - while assisting the Air Force in research, development, and evaluation of aviation technologies," said Congresswoman Napolitano. "I was proud to join Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Carbajal in delivering these funds to strengthen this vital partnership between our universities and the Air Force."

"Military-educational partnerships like the one between the Air Force and Cal Poly enhance our national security capabilities and provide Cal Poly students with hands-on learning opportunities that set them up for successful careers when they graduate," said Congressman Carbajal. "I am proud to have partnered with Congresswomen Napolitano and Torres to advocate and vote for this additional funding - and look forward to seeing it signed into law this week to help drive innovation and support the next generation of aerospace leaders."

Reps. Torres, Napolitano, and Carbajal have previously announced additional funding for EPAs between California Polytechnic State Universities and the Airforce Research Laboratory as part of last year's appropriations process. To learn more click here.

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