Thursday, December 2, 1999 by Sheldon Smart Thanks to the foresight of U.S. Representative Tom DeLay and the support of the U.S. Congress, the University of Houston is expanding its commitment to information technology with the creation of a new facility. When Congress recently passed the NASA appropriations bill, it included $4 million to support the Texas Learning and Computation Center (TLC2) at UH. TLC2 will provide a forum where the university’s diverse information technology resources can come together under a single roof, as well as link UH to the Johnson Space Center. "The TLC2 initiative is a tremendous research resource, linking higher education in Houston with the unique workforce opportunities of the Johnson Space Center," said DeLay. "This project will create a strong partnership between the University of Houston, NASA and the community to ensure our workforce of tomorrow has the technological skills necessary to propel our community and our nation into the next century." According to UH President Arthur K. Smith, TLC2 is an important part of the university’s goal of being a catalyst in the Houston economy. "By providing a hub for both UH and other Houston-area researchers, we are helping nurture Houston’s burgeoning technology sector," said Smith. "The technologies that are developed here will go on to create jobs and a brighter future for Houston." Smith said that without the help of DeLay, the center would not have come to fruition. "Congressman DeLay has long been a major advocate for the development of new technologies and recognizes the importance of creating the infrastructure necessary to nurture this important industry," he said. "The university and the city of Houston appreciate his foresight in supporting this grant. We also welcome this additional opportunity to partner with NASA and the Johnson Space Center and appreciate their support of this program." Once completed, TLC2 will form a fully integrated, state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure and learning complex, where technology-based applications will be developed and deployed. "TLC2 will use a state-of-the art computational infrastructure that will be applied toward solving complex problems associated with molecular structure, unique physical and geophysical phenomena, signal processing, data compression, visualization technology, engineering design and medical research," said Arthur Vailas, vice president for research. "Also, TLC2 will provide a platform and infrastructure that will enhance access to educational needs for the high-tech work force and business community." Earlier this year, TLC2 received $1.3 million in funding per year for the biennium from the Texas State Legislature. The university also is working to arrange funding from private and corporate donors. With its interdisciplinary focus, TLC2 will ensure that UH remains a national leader in scientific research.