NASA extends Lockheed Martin’s International Space Station contract – Bethesda-based defense contractor Lockheed Martin will continue to play a key role in supplying the International Space Station. The company announced Monday it was awarded a $23 million one-year extension on its contract to plan, pack and process cargo for the space station. The company ships about 25,000 pounds of cargo to launch locations around the world each year—including items such as clothing, laptop computers and personal care items for the crew—which are then flown to the space station.
Bethesda biotech company receives $40 million investment – A British investor has poured an additional $40 million into the Bethesda vaccine therapy company Northwest Biotherapeutics, according to The Washington Post. The investment brings Neil Woodford’s total stake in the company to nearly $100 million. The Post reported that Woodford, whose firm invests heavily in pharmaceutical companies, has been purchasing the company’s stock since September. Northwest is currently working on cell-based vaccines for treating cancers that have showed some promise in early tests, according to the news report.
Pooks Hill Marriott Renovations – The guestrooms at the Bethesda Marriott have been renovated with hard-surface synthetic floors, a neutral palette, additional electrical outlets, a moveable table that allows guests to work in the beds and an open layout. The new look is part of Marriott’s multi-million dollar effort to transform the 30-year-old hotel into a model for the company. The guestrooms were completed at the beginning of this year. This summer the company plans to finish renovations on the hotel’s restaurant and lobby. The hotel is at 5151 Pooks Hill Road.
Several neighborhood groups receive stormwater and water quality grants – Montgomery County announced Monday that several local groups and organizations have received grants to construct stormwater projects and conduct environmental outreach. A total of $370,000 in grants was awarded, including to the following local groups:
- Friends of Sligo Creek, $15,000 to support an effort to expand a citizen-based pollution reporting system, Water WatchDogs.
- Rock Creek Conservancy, $38,000 to develop the Rock Creek Park in Your Backyard program to educate homeowners about stormwater prevention.
- Bethesda Green, $32,000 to educate residents and create a stormwater demonstration project at Glen Waye Gardens Condominiums in Silver Spring.
- Friends of Cabin John Creek, $42,000 to support an outreach coordinator and fund stormwater installation projects coordinated by local boy scouts.
- Carderock Springs Citizens Association, $11,930 to support efforts to advance community outreach for the RainScapes program, provide neighborhood workshops and to fund a permeable pavement demonstration project.
