FAMU raked in $9 million in new federal research grants from Congress last year. The grants were contained in congressional budget bills which were approved by Congress in December. All-in-all, Florida universities received some $90 million in special projects. A quick review of the federal budget indicates, FAMU will receive $3 million to develop affordable combat vehicles of the future, $1 million from the Agriculture Research Service for the Center for Biological Controls, $ 4 million to develop standoff sensors, and $ 1million for Gulf Coast composite research.
FAMU, and other Florida universities, benefited from the clout and seniority of former Appropriations Committee chairman U.S. Rep. Bill Young, Tampa, who now chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and is vice chair of the full committee. The chairmanship of the Appropriations (read money) Committee is a roatating assignment. Also, all 11 state universities submit a consolidated budget request.