FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Chambliss, Isakson Praise Senate Passage of 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today praised the Senate’s passage of the 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, an annual bill that funds critical military construction projects at Georgia bases.

For the first time, the bill includes advance appropriations to fund three key medical programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs – medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities – totaling $48.2 billion. This advance funding will become available on Oct. 1, 2010, for fiscal year 2011, and will ensure a stable and uninterrupted source of funding for medical care for veterans.

“Georgia’s military installations play a critical role in our national defense efforts, and this bill provides our servicemen and women with the funding necessary for the resources and tools to carry out their missions,” said Chambliss. “I’m also pleased this bill places an emphasis on providing increased funding for health care services for veterans, which is greatly needed.” 

“These funds will greatly benefit our bases, our troops and their families. Georgia’s military facilities play a key role in the security of our nation, and I am very pleased to see such a strong commitment to them from Washington,” Isakson said. “The promises we have made to our veterans must be honored, and this VA funding reflects a strong commitment to the men and women who have served so ably.” 

Additionally, Sens. Chambliss and Isakson were encouraged by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs’ inclusion of report language expressing support for ongoing and future growth at Fort Stewart. The committee report notes that Fort Stewart is a key Army installation with unique training and operational assets. Despite cancellation of the 46 th Brigade Combat Teams, the Army projects continued growth at Fort Stewart from 20,512 to 24,970. The committee also recognized that the Army has existing facility shortfalls at Fort Stewart and, instead of rescinding fiscal year 2009 funding, directed the Secretary of the Army to prepare alternative spending proposals to address existing military construction requirements there.

The committee also commented on the potential movement of brigade combat teams out of Europe and the impact that could have at the receiving installation. The resolution of that issue will not be determined until the conclusion of the Quadrennial Defense Review process in February 2010.

“This bill is a significant expression of support and acknowledgement of the tremendous value of Fort Stewart,” said Chambliss. “I am grateful for the committee’s recognition of the impact that moving one or more brigade combat teams out of Europe would have on an installation such as Fort Stewart. I can think of no better place to position a brigade: It is strategically located and positioned for future growth, thanks in part to the support shown by Congress in this bill, and by the people of Hinesville, Liberty County and the surrounding counties and communities.”

"With its strategic location and strong community support, Fort Stewart is still the ideal place to grow the U.S. Army," Isakson said. "I'm pleased this bill reflects support for its future growth, and I will continue to work with the Georgia congressional delegation to ensure that Fort Stewart receives one of the brigades that the Army plans to move back to the States from Europe."  

Military Construction Funding for Georgia:

FORT BENNING
Battle Lab                                                       $30,000,000
Combined Arms Collective Training Facility $10,800,000
Dining Facility                                                $15,000,000
Fire and Movement Range                             $2,800,000
Trainee Barracks Complex, Phase I                $74,000,000
Training Area Tank Trails                               $9,700,000
Training Battalion Complex                            $38,000,000
Training Battalion Complex, Phase I              $31,000,000
Training Battalion Complex, Phase I              $31,000,000
Warrior in Transition (WT) Complex              $53,000,000

FORT GILLEM
Forensic Lab                                                   $10,800,000

FORT STEWART
Barracks & Dining, Increment 2                     $80,000,000
Brigade Complex                                            $48,000,000
Warrior in Transition (WT) Complex              $49,000,000
Health and Dental Clinic                                $22,200,000

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Fort Benning Readiness Center                      $15,500,000

ARMY RESERVE
Atlanta Army Reserve Center/Land               $14,000,000

TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY
Fort Benning, Blood Donor Center                $12,313,000
Fort Benning, Dental Clinic                            $4,887,000                 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
Fort Benning, SOF Expand BN HQ              $3,046,000

DOD DEPENDENT EDUCATION
Fort Benning, Wilson ES Gymnasium            $2,330,000
Fort Stewart Elementary School                     $22,501,000

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE
Rescue Operations/Maintenance                     $8,900,000
Headquarters Facility

HUNTER ARMY AIR FIELD
Hunter Army Aviation Readiness Center       $8,967,000

BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE RELATED MILCON
Fort Benning AAFES Troop Store                  $1,950,000
Fort Benning Armed Forces Reserve Center   $18,000,000
Fort Benning Equipment Concentration Site   $43,000,000
Fort Benning General Instruction Complex 2  $58,000,000
Increment 2
Fort Benning Maneuver Center                      $42,000,000
HQ & CDI Building Expansion
Fort Benning Medical Facility, Increment 2    $77,000,000

Georgia Military Construction total:            $837,694,000

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