U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer, D-Dist. 7, met with local workers and toured Dexter Research earlier this month for an update on a U.S. Department of Defense project that could create up to 15 new jobs for Washtenaw County workers upon completion.

The 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations bill included $1.6 million in funding Schauer requested that would allow Dexter Research to complete development of a Total Perimeter Surveillance Sytem that uses a new infrared technology to identify and respond to threats from chemical or biological attacks.

“Protecting our military personnel and facilities from terrorist attacks is a top national security priority,” Schauer said. “Not only will this investment help keep our nation safe, but it will also support a local small business and create jobs in Washtenaw County. This is a smart in-vestment that will offer a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Nationwide, there are over 200 key Department of Defense facilities in the United States which lack perimeter monitoring capabilities for the presence of chemical and biological weapons. Existing infrared systems are often bulky, complex, maintenance intensive and ineffective at sensing nearby threats.

“We appreciate Congressman Schauer’s efforts on our behalf to obtain funding for this important work,” said Rob Toth, president of Dexter Research Center. “The positions that will be created to support this project are vital to our future business expansion.”

The TPS system developed by Dexter Research would provide a networked array of unattended passive/near-passive infrared sensors to provide 360-degree detection and identification of threats with sufficient advanced warning to Department of Defense facilities to respond effectively. Upon completion of the project, Dexter Research Center expects to add a new pro-duction line to its present facility and add 15 new jobs - including high-level engineers, manufacturing and sales - with the potential for more jobs as production expands into other com-mercial and industrial applications.