WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it will award $300,000 to the Nevada Test Site Development Corporation (NTSDC), the community reuse organization (CRO) for the Nevada Test Site.  The grant will be used to continue supporting current projects and programs including a partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to assist with commercializing new technologies developed at the lab.  Funds will also be used to support a project with Kistler Aerospace Corporation, the developer of the world’s first fully reusable launch vehicle, to enable Kistler to pursue launch-recovery operations at the site. 

"The Energy Department is a good neighbor to the communities surrounding our sites," Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. "We will continue to work with the Nevada Test Site Development Corporation and other community reuse organizations around the country to retain, expand or create jobs for workers affected by restructuring efforts."

The Energy Department and the NTSDC have created or retained 1,945 new economy jobs, and estimate that 3,000 jobs will be created or retained by 2005.

NTSDC recently aligned with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Research Foundation to enhance its capabilities.   This alliance supports the goals and objectives of both organizations and combines resources to maximize job creation, technology development, and diversification initiatives. 

NTSDC will also work with the Research Foundation to develop, construct, market and lease UNLV’s Research Park which will create an opportunity for industry and researchers to work together to develop new technologies leading to new high-tech industries and high-valued job opportunities.

A CRO is an organization recognized by the Energy Department that can apply for funding for programs that can modify the impacts of workforce restructuring at its facilities and reduce community dependence on the department’s activities.

Media Contact(s):
Jacqueline Johnson, 202/586-5806