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Finally, the programs that I spoke of today are but several initiatives of the Rhode 

 Island Economic Development Corporation to react to the short term needs of the 

 region. It will be through the planning efforts which these programs facilitate that the 

 long terra proactive solutions will be generated. Without the continued support of our 

 federal agencies, it is unlikely that this State or our region will be financially able to 

 sustain the policies and solutions which resuh fi-om these ingenuitive programs. 

 Therefore, I would have to believe that any contribution made from the Department of 

 Defense towards the programs we have heard about today will significantly effect the 

 future of this region's marine related economy. I urge the U.S House of 

 Representatives National Security Committee to continue exploring the regional and 

 national benefits of oceanographic research and technology transfer. The economy of 

 this State and region have always benefited from the investment of defense and 

 research dollars. For economic development to succeed in this region, a region 

 inherently dependent it's marine resources, there is a distinct obligation for sustained 

 support and realized objectives. 



Sincerely. 



t 

 Marcel Valois, Director 



