Washington, DC, Jun 23, 2006 - Representative John Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that his request for $1.8 million that is intended to increase productivity at Alcoa’s Rockdale facility has been included in the House passed Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense Appropriations bill. This funding will be used for advanced light weight metals technology for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Rockdale facility produces primary aluminum that could be used for the LCS program.

“I am pleased to have secured funding for a project that will allow the U.S. Navy to develop the stealth Littoral Combat Ship,” Congressman Carter said. “By funding operation and maintenance, as well as research and development projects, we can ensure that our military remains the best and strongest in the world.”

Congressman Carter has successfully secured funds for this program in previous years.