For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 13, 1999
A $147 million, 475,000 square-foot laboratory, which will provide research in biological and chemical toxicology as well as preventive, topical, and combat casualty medicine, was dedicated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Forest Glen Annex on October 5.
Among the federal, state and county officials present for the dedication of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) were Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Paul S. Sarbanes; Lieutenant General Ronald R. Blanck, Surgeon General, U.S. Army Commander, U.S. Army Medical Command; and Colonel Martin H. Crumrine, Commander, WRAIR.
"This magnificent structure is a tribute to cooperation between county, state, and federal officials. Without the support of the Executive Branch of Montgomery County and the Department of Economic Development, this important research facility may never have been built," said Col. Crumrine.
WRAIR dates back to 1893, when it was known as the Army Medical School. Major Walter Reed was the first Secretary of the Faculty. The institution's name changed to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in 1955, and since then, WRAIR scientists have isolated the viruses that cause influenza, rubella, and dengue. WRAIR conducts collaborative research with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health and has become the military's premier center for basic biomedical research.
The Naval Medical Research Center is organized into four Science Directorates including Infectious Diseases, Biological Warfare Defense, Combat Casualty Care, and Bone Marrow Research. NMRC currently conducts a variety of infectious disease research.
"This new, state-of-the-art medical research facility will provide tremendous spin-off benefits for Montgomery County businesses, particularly those in Silver Spring," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "It will generate a wide range of technology transfer opportunities for high technology and biomedical research enterprises located in the County."
"We are proud to be a partner with Montgomery County in providing support for the new research facility," said Richard C. Mike Lewin, secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. "Our federal research labs have helped this area become an international center for biotechnology, and they are a cornerstone of Maryland's business development efforts."
The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development helps existing and new businesses grow within the County through a variety of programs and assistance. For information on how to start or expand a business, call 240-777-2000.
Release ID: 99-353
Media Contact: Nancy Gasko 240-777-2000