KWES NewsWest 9 / Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, TX: newswest9.com | New Mexico Tech gets training funds
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Associated Press - November 7, 2009 8:45 AM ET
SOCORRO, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico Tech has received a $23 million award from the federal Homeland Security Department to continue the college's hazard response training program.
The school announced the award Friday. It represents a $1 million increase over the current funding level.
New Mexico Tech's Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center conducts the training program. It has hosted more than 50,000 students in Socorro and educated more than 300,000 first responders across the nation.
University Vice President of Research Dr. Van Romero says the program is considered an integral part of Homeland Security's training activity.
The program was originally designed to train first responders about reacting to terrorist incidents. In recent years, the program has been expanded to include response to natural hazards, like floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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