FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 6, 2007

Chambliss, Isakson Applaud Senate Passage of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill
Allocates $481 million in military construction for Georgia, 6th largest amount in the nation  

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga, and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which provides important funds for construction at the nation’s military bases and for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation includes $481 million for construction at military bases in Georgia, which is the sixth largest amount in the nation.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am pleased to help secure these critical military construction projects that will benefit the brave men and women who make the sacrifices to protect our national security,” said Chambliss. 

“These funds will greatly benefit our bases, our troops and their families,” Isakson said. “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.”

The bill provides $21.56 billion in total military construction funding nationwide, including $8.9 billion for active duty construction, $929.9 million for the reserve components and $2.92 billion for family housing construction and operations. The bill also provides $8.17 billion in funding for implementation of Base Realignment and Closure, including $250 million for Georgia military installations, which continue to grow and gain missions as a result of the 2005 BRAC round.  

Highlights for Georgia in the bill include:

Fort Benning:

$5.8 million for the Modified Record Fire Range                                        
$51 million for the Reception Station, Phase 1                                 
$56 million for the Simulations Training Facility                                   
$73 million for the Trainee Barracks Complex                
$21 million for the Special Operations Forces Battalion Complex                                           
$5 million for the Special Operations Forces Headquarters Building Addition                            
$9 million for the Special Operations Forces Tactical Equipment Shop                                       

Fort Stewart:

$36 million for the Barracks Complex                                                 
$26 million for the Brigade Complex-Headquarters                                
$5.5 million for the Fire Station                                                                  
$25 million for the Barracks                                                                     
$15 million for the Unit Operations Facility 

Hunter Army Airfield:

$16 million for the Unit Operations Facility                                                 
$13.8 million for the Special Operations Forces Support Company Facility                                  

Robins Air Force Base:

$14.7 million for the Aircraft Component Repair Facility                          

Georgia Air National Guard

$9 million for the Savannah International Airport – Troop Quarters           

Fort Gordon

$100 million for the Regional Security Operation Center, Increment III      

Additionally, the bill includes $89.9 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including key funds for the health care needs of America’s Veterans. The bill provides $28.98 billion for Veterans Medical Services, which is $1.81 billion above the administration’s request and $3.46 billion above fiscal year 2007 levels. Overall, spending for Veterans Affairs has increased $9.75 billion over last year.  

 “Caring for our nation’s veterans must remain a top priority,” said Chambliss. “This bill provides much-needed funding to meet our veterans’ needs.”

“As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, one of my top priorities is to make sure we take care of the veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. This VA funding reflects the strong commitment we must make to the men and women who have served so ably,” Isakson said.

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