Congressman Alan B. Mollohan, D-W.Va., has obtained $3 million in new funding for the high-tech recycling initiative that is being jointly developed by West Virginia University and the Parkersburg area's Polymer Alliance Zone.
The goal of the PAZ is to create a viable end market for the plastics recovered from the used electronics in an economical fashion. The two groups are working on the project, known as the Mid-Atlantic Recycling Center for End-of-Life Electronics. The project began in 1998, and has focused on researching new polymer separation technologies and the development of new uses for recycled plastics.
The money will finance ongoing research in electronics recycling. It also will go toward the establishment of the Polymer Technology Park in Parkersburg, WV, and the Polymer Research Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown. In addition, it will support the expansion of Internet-based information exchanges for electronics recycling, a project headed by PAZ and Fairmont high-tech firm D.N. American.
"The Polymer Alliance Zone and WVU are two excellent resources in our state. By harnessing their expertise in plastics and research, we can become a national leader in the recycling of electronics. This would result in new jobs and new investments here in West Virginia," Mollohan said. Graham said, "When implemented, this project will be living proof that you can protect the environment and at the same time create quality jobs and investments."
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