Congress Approves Funding for Methodist University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 21, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Methodist University is pleased to announce that Congress has approved $399,500 for its Methamphetamine Educational Training Project. The University will use the federal funds to train students and professionals to combat methamphetamine production and remove and dispose of hazardous materials from clandestine methamphetamine labs.

According to Methodist University President Elton Hendricks, “Our faculty members are developing this training program in response to the needs of the local community and the State of North Carolina to increase advanced technology used in the field. We can assist law enforcement, the first responder, and environmental personnel utilizing this funding secured by Congressmen Bob Etheridge and Mike McIntyre and Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr.”

Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug. In 2001, the State Bureau of Investigation reported there were 34 methamphetamine labs discovered in North Carolina; in 2004, there were 322 labs discovered. The labs pose multiple dangers to both public health and the environment. Its production also creates a toxic and exceptionally dangerous environment for law enforcement and environmental personnel. Although no deaths have currently been reported in North Carolina, the N.C. Division of Emergency Management reported 27 first responders being injured in meth lab bursts as of 2004.

The meth production process can create disastrous environmental effects. In addition to poisonous gas and threat of fire or explosion, a minimum of five to seven pounds of chemical waste are produced for each pound of methamphetamine manufactured, most of which is dumped near the laboratory, contaminating soil and groundwater and killing vegetation. Site remediation costs can range from several thousand to millions of dollars. By establishing this training project, Methodist University will purchase specialized forensic lab equipment and advanced technology to train professionals and students to combat methamphetamine production, and remove and safely dispose of hazardous materials from clandestine methamphetamine labs.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information contact the Office of Development at (910) 630-7200