Wittman Advocates for Community Project Funding for William & Mary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of two of his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for William & Mary — $750,000 for Next-Generation Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and $400,000 for the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) — in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House Floor.
During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman is traveling across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia's First District.
“William & Mary is home to some of the most advanced research facilities in the nation,” said Rep. Wittman. “The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope funding would support the overall research of the university by expanding access to advanced imaging capabilities and supporting interdisciplinary scientific research. And the funding for VIMS will drive its ability to deliver critical scientific data, forecasting tools, and decision-support resources for coastal Virginia.”
Vice Provost for Research Alyson Wilson stated, "This advanced microscope would transform William & Mary’s research capabilities and train the next generation of scientists across a wide range of fields, spanning the physical, environmental and life sciences. The impact will extend beyond W&M’s campus to include cooperative research across the Peninsula and the Tidewater region, and we are appreciative of the strong federal support."
"Environmental forecasting is central to VIMS' mission of delivering science that serves Virginians," said Derek Aday, director of William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science and dean of the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences. "This investment would strengthen our ability to deliver timely, decision-ready forecasts that support emergency managers, resource agencies, watermen, local governments and coastal communities. We are grateful to Congressman Wittman for his continued support of science that protects lives, strengthens our economy and builds resilience for the Commonwealth."
The funding used to acquire an ESEM at William & Mary would expand access to advanced imaging capabilities and support research. This project would provide shared, high-impact research infrastructure that would serve a broad range of disciplines—including chemistry, physics, biology, geology, health sciences, and anthropology—by enabling the analysis of delicate, hydrated, and complex materials not accessible with traditional microscopy. Beyond campus, the instrument will serve as a regional resource through established partnerships with other Virginia institutions, expanding access to advanced scientific tools and promoting collaborative research.
The funding used to support the Center of Excellence in Environmental Forecasting (CoEEF) at William & Mary’s VIMS would enhance its ability to deliver critical scientific data, forecasting tools, and decision-support resources for coastal Virginia. This project would directly benefit approximately five million residents who rely on accurate environmental forecasting to prepare for and respond to increasing threats such as intensified storms, prolonged flooding, declining water quality, and impacts to economically vital marine resources. By improving forecasting capabilities and coordination with state agencies—including the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health, and Department of Transportation—the CoEEF enables faster, more effective responses to emergencies and long-term planning for coastal resilience.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities.
###
Congressman Rob Wittman represents Virginia’s First Congressional District. He serves as vice chairman of both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the chairman of the Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcommittee.
f4039325-ec58-4fbf-b2bf-9071f223072cEdit history (1 prior version)
This release was edited after publication. Earlier captures are preserved below.
- Captured Aug 12, 2026, 9:42 AM EDT
Show prior body text
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of two of his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for William & Mary — $750,000 for Next-Generation Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and $400,000 for the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) — in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House Floor. During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman is traveling across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia's First District. “William & Mary is home to some of the most advanced research facilities in the nation,” said Rep. Wittman. “The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope funding would support the overall research of the university by expanding access to advanced imaging capabilities and supporting interdisciplinary scientific research. And the funding for VIMS will drive its ability to deliver critical scientific data, forecasting tools, and decision-support resources for coastal Virginia.” Vice Provost for Research Alyson Wilson stated, "This advanced microscope would transform William & Mary’s research capabilities and train the next generation of scientists across a wide range of fields, spanning the physical, environmental and life sciences. The impact will extend beyond W&M’s campus to include cooperative research across the Peninsula and the Tidewater region, and we are appreciative of the strong federal support." "Environmental forecasting is central to VIMS' mission of delivering science that serves Virginians," said Derek Aday, director of William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science and dean of the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences. "This investment would strengthen our ability to deliver timely, decision-ready forecasts that support emergency managers, resource agencies, watermen, local governments and coastal communities. We are grateful to Congressman Wittman for his continued support of science that protects lives, strengthens our economy and builds resilience for the Commonwealth." The funding used to acquire an ESEM at William & Mary would expand access to advanced imaging capabilities and support research. This project would provide shared, high-impact research infrastructure that would serve a broad range of disciplines—including chemistry, physics, biology, geology, health sciences, and anthropology—by enabling the analysis of delicate, hydrated, and complex materials not accessible with traditional microscopy. Beyond campus, the instrument will serve as a regional resource through established partnerships with other Virginia institutions, expanding access to advanced scientific tools and promoting collaborative research. The funding used to support the Center of Environmental and Estuarine Forecasting (CoEEF) at William & Mary’s VIMS would enhance its ability to deliver critical scientific data, forecasting tools, and decision-support resources for coastal Virginia. This project would directly benefit approximately five million residents who rely on accurate environmental forecasting to prepare for and respond to increasing threats such as intensified storms, prolonged flooding, declining water quality, and impacts to economically vital marine resources. By improving forecasting capabilities and coordination with state agencies—including the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health, and Department of Transportation—the CoEEF enables faster, more effective responses to emergencies and long-term planning for coastal resilience. Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities. ### Congressman Rob Wittman represents Virginia’s First Congressional District. He serves as vice chairman of both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the chairman of the Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcommittee.
Issued within 24 hours
Other senators' releases published in the day before or after this one.
