Half the grant money will be used to assist information technology companies. The lab will support businesses through its technical assistance program, which has worked with 350 companies since 1995. Staffers provide up to 40 hours of technical assistance to client companies each year.
Assistance takes the form of database and network development.
The program has created more than 30 new companies since it began in 1995. CH2M Hill Hanford Group is the prime contractor for the Department of Energy's Office of River Protection. It is responsible for managing 53 million gallons of highly radioactive and hazardous waste stored in underground tanks. Copyright 2000 Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved.