South Dakota's U.S. senators, Republican John Thune and Democrat Tim Johnson, say a defense spending bill that has passed their chamber contains millions of dollars for South Dakota projects.

Part of the $45 million in defense-related spending for the state is $3 million for South Dakota State University to research producing jet fuel from cellulose feedstocks such as grass and wood chips. Another $1 million would go to the South Dakota School of Mines for similar research.

SDSU also would get $4 million to study alternative energy sources such as wind and solar as power sources for missile defense systems.

Thune says he will try to make sure South Dakota's projects remain as the bill goes to a conference committee.

Johnson says his Senate Appropriations Committee seat helped secure the money.