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“HONORING PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E7 on Jan. 4, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY
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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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