Local Military Facilities Would Benefit Under Appropriations Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday approved $230 million in federal funding for improvements in the Second Congressional District, including $4.9 million for the Maryland Air National Guard at Martin State Airport to assist with facility changes needed to accommodate C-27 aircraft, which are replacing the C-130s.

Other military facilities that would receive funding include Fort George G. Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Dundalk. The funding was included in the Military Construction – Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2012 and was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 411-5 vote.

The bill provides $72.5 billion in discretionary funding for military construction projects, veterans programs and other agencies that support the quality of life for our warfighters and veterans.

According to a news release from Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, the funding is $615 million less than last year’s spending level and $1.2 billion below the president’s budget request. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate.

“America’s men and women in uniform courageously answered the call to serve their country and deserve support for their sacrifices,” said Ruppersberger, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, in a statement. “This bill fully funds defense hospitals, schools and family housing as well as critical medical and education benefits for our veterans.

"It also pays for some of the most-pressing needs at Maryland military facilities while acknowledging our responsibility to reduce government spending and rein in the federal deficit.”

The bill includes $721.6 million for projects across Maryland, with eight in the Second District:

• $43 million for Applied Instruction Facility (Fort Meade)
• $36 million for Brigade Complex (Fort Meade)
•  $29.6 million for High Performance Computer (Fort Meade)
• $15.5 million for Auto Technology Evaluation Facility (APG)
• $63 million for Command and Control Facility (APG)
• $22.8 million for U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense Replacement (APG)
• $16 million for Army National Guard Readiness Center (Dundalk)
• $4.9 million for Air National Guard’s C-27 Conversion (Martin State Airport)