Congresswoman Betty Sutton Challenges Department of Defense to Address the Impact of Corrosion on Troop Readiness and Safety

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - August 10, 2009) - Representative Betty Sutton (D-Ohio 13th) will present the Keynote Speech at the 2009 DoD Corrosion Conference on Wednesday, August 12, at 7:30 p.m. In her address she will offer a detailed appraisal of the Defense Department's fulfillment of the Congressional mandate to create and implement a DoD Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation Program. Congresswoman Sutton, a strong supporter of the DoD Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight strategic plan, will also address the future of the DoD corrosion program.

Since she arrived in Washington, D.C. in 2006, Congresswoman Sutton has been an advocate for combating the impact of corrosion on our nation's infrastructure. She has been at the forefront of bridge infrastructure and corrosion prevention legislation aimed at preserving our nation's critical infrastructure.

"Through her words and actions, Congresswoman Sutton has championed corrosion prevention and mitigation," says Daniel J. Dunmire, Director of the DoD's Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight. "Rep. Sutton has also supported The University of Akron's development of a Bachelor of Science degree in Corrosion Engineering."

On March 24, 2009, Congresswoman Sutton co-sponsored and introduced HR 1682, The Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009, which requires states to develop corrosion mitigation and prevention plans for all bridges receiving federal funding for repair, rehabilitation or construction. Aiming to implement a highway bridge management system, HR 1682 requires states to identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods that will be used to preserve highway bridges in each state, taking into account material selection and considerations related to coatings, cathodic protection, design, and concrete requirements. She has also recently cosponsored the HR 3462 Corrosion Prevention Act of 2009, which will provide an incentive to the energy industry to undertake proactive corrosion mitigation and prevention strategies.

About the DoD Corrosion Conference:

The DoD Corrosion Conference (previously Tri-Services Conference) offers the largest technical program and exhibit presence for addressing corrosion in all branches of the U.S. military. First convened in 1967, the bi-annual conference is held at the Gaylord National Hotel in Washington, D.C. The technical program will address how the increased use of corrosion prevention and mitigation strategies have improved public safety and lowered the cost of procuring military equipment.

Corrosion costs the DoD more than $22 billion annually in direct costs and has a dramatic impact on troop safety and readiness. To address this, this year's conference includes a panel of senior corrosion executives from the military departments, and experts who will address safety, budgetary, and technological issues related to corrosion prevention and mitigation.

About the DoD Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight:

The DoD Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight works closely with corrosion experts throughout the military departments, industry, and academia. The Corrosion Office, working through the Corrosion Prevention Integrated Product Team (CPC IPT), provides strategic direction while developing and executing plans, procedures, and roadmaps to reduce the overall impact of corrosion on all military assets. For more information contact Dan Dunmire, Director of the Department of Defense Office of Corrosion Policy & Oversight, at 703-380-6437.

Press passes to attend the DoD Corrosion Conference are available for media representatives. Contact Laura Herrera at 301-965-5420.