More than $7.2 million was included in the Department of Defense appropriations bill for the next fiscal year, helping fund military research and training projects in Helena, Butte and Bozeman.

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., said the bill passed as part of the Continuing Resolution package.

"Montanans pull more than our fair share when it comes to the cutting-edge technology that drives the economy of the future," Rehberg said.

Butte stands to receive the bulk of the funding, drawing $4 million, with $3.2 million of that going to the Mariah II Program.

The program aims to develop the first air hypersonic wind tunnel. The tunnel is required for testing the next generation of ballistic missiles, military space planes, and space launch vehicles, among other things.

Rehberg said the Army identified a near-term need for such ground-testing capabilities to support advanced missile development programs, as well as the National Aerospace Initiative.

The following Montana projects also received funding:

n Watchkeeper, $800,000, Butte, Pablo, Belgrade

Once finished, the Watchkeeper will offer continuous ground monitoring for up to six months, making it the first unattended sensor flexible enough to withstand combat missions and border control.

Rehberg said the Watchkeeper project will bring high technology jobs to the state in the form of software development, mechanical design, electronics assembly, and sensor data collection.

Brad Bean, president of Turn Key Operations Inc., in Belgrade, said his company's software engineers are already providing development services for the project.

"Montana maintains a 562 mile border with Canada, along with 42 ports of entry," he said. "The Watchkeeper technology will play a critical role in ensuring the security of that border."

n The Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad, $1.6 million, Helena

The Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad creates a Virtual Reality environment allowing four individuals to "fight the fight" in a lab, testing equipment and concepts without having to leave the building.

The system will also help determine the best way to conduct individual and unit training to maximize the combat effectiveness of the Marine.

n Surface Training Services Infrastructure, $1.6 million, Bozeman

The project builds on the previous technology significantly improving sailor records' management and shore based response time.

Rehberg said funds will provide multiple high paying engineering and software development jobs in Bozeman.

"The proposed project is a joint effort that enhances the U.S. Navy's training capabilities and improves the military member's quality of life," said Bob Testut, general manager for Montana operations.

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com