Defense funds aimed here

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Todd Grady
Staff writer

New jobs and investment could be headed here as a result of about $25 million earmarked for the area in the 2006 defense appropriations bill.

Among the items announced Monday by Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport: $4 million for QED Technologies Inc. in Rochester, $3 million for Dimension Technologies Inc. in Rochester and $2.5 million for the University of Rochester’s Center for Optics Manufacturing.

QED’s funds would go toward its work in the field of optics.

“We believe that our continued success and investment in these technologies will lead to job creation within the Rochester area both directly through QED and through the local community,” said Don Golini, president of QED, which manufacturers machinery for optics.

Dimension Technologies’ money would go toward its development of high-resolution display technology for screens as large as wall size.

Dimension Technologies says once its display technology is commercialized, it will be in demand for surveillance work by such customers as the military. “Obviously, this is going to create local jobs,” said Arnie Lagergren, the company’s president.

Lagergren said Dimension’s display screens can produce video images with better quality than high-definition television. The video screens will be manufactured at Dimensions’ Mt. Read Boulevard site where 10 people work.

The company expects to hire 15 to 20 employees once work begins.

QED Technologies is developing machinery to manufacture highly precise and complex surfaces for optics that can be used in such systems as the U.S. Army’s Future Combat System. The system requires improved performance optics to detect, recognize and engage threats at greater range and in harsher conditions.

“These projects will help ensure that our troops are safer and better prepared at home and abroad,” said Slaughter, who expects the House to pass the $400 billion bill this week.

Earlier, Rep. John R. “Randy” Kuhl, R-Hammondsport, Steuben County, announced $4.5 million in the same bill for Infotonics Technology Center in Canandaigua.

The bill also has $3 million for ITT Industries Inc.’s Space Systems Division in Rochester; $3 million for Rochester Institute of Technology’s defense modernization program; $3 million for General Motors Corp.’s Fuel Cell Activities Center in Honeoye Falls; and $1.7 million for Impact Technologies in Brighton.

ITT will use its money for classified intelligence research while Impact Technologies’ money will be used for joint research and development with the Air Force to improve aircraft propulsion systems.

Meanwhile, GM will work on fuel cell technology for two nontactical vehicles.