Rep. Sutton secured federal funding to start the Corrosion Engineering program at the University of Akron to help train the workforce, respond to the industry’s need for better corrosion engineering, and to form a base for further research and development in corrosion prevention and mitigation technologies.

“Through her words and actions, Congresswoman Sutton has championed corrosion prevention and mitigation through several initiatives,” says Daniel J. Dunmire, Director of the DoD’s Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight.

“Sutton has also strongly supported The University of Akron’s pioneering creation of a Bachelor of Science degree in Corrosion Engineering,” Director Dunmire said.

Rep. Sutton discusses the importance of corrosion mitigation and prevention.

The Corrosion Engineering program will help provide an economic boost in Akron and throughout Ohio, as it spurs innovative technologies, products and jobs.

The five-day Corrosion Conference commenced at the Gaylord National Hotel on Monday, August 10.

Corrosion raises the cost to maintain and repair U.S. infrastructure. According to a Federal Highway Administration report, the cost of corrosion to the U.S. economy represents $276 billion per year, or approximately 3 percent of the GDP.

Implementation of a highway bridge-management system will require states to identify and use these methods to preserve highway bridges throughout the nation.

“But it’s not just about the financial costs. As we tragically learned two summers ago when the I-35 Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, corrosion can also cost lives,

On March 24, 2009, Rep. Sutton introduced H.R. 1682, the Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 with Rep. Conaway (R-TX).

The Bridge Life Extension Act requires states to develop corrosion mitigation and prevention plans for all bridges undergoing repair, rehabilitation or construction.