U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will provide $3.2 million to Fort Drum through the Department of Defense for facility infrastructure investments and repair projects that will upgrade army military bases in New York State and create jobs. A total of $10.9 million has been administered to New York State military bases.
“These projects are a win-win for Fort Drum and Watertown that will bring greater investment in these facilities, create jobs, and improve conditions for the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding for Fort Drum will vastly improve the infrastructure at the base and at the same time will create jobs to give a much needed economic boost to the North Country.”
“These critical federal dollars will help to upgrade our military facilities while creating good-paying jobs right here in New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Creating jobs in New York is my number one priority. This funding will strengthen our economic recovery efforts and ensure our men and women in uniform have the very best facilities and opportunities. They and their families have sacrificed for all of us and owe them for their incredible service.”
With 18,681 soldiers and 4,396 civilian employees, Fort Drum, home to the 10th Mountain Division, is the largest employer in the North Country region. In 2008, Fort Drum pumped $1.68 billion into the upstate New York economy, $220 million more than in 2007. The impact was felt in a variety of forms, including $146 million in salaries to civilian employees, $72.8 million in contracts and supplies with local construction companies and $11.9 million in “impact aid” to area schools. Since 1988, when the 10th Mountain Division arrived and Fort Drum began its expansion, the Army installation has infused more than $12.26 billion into the local economy.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will provide $3.2 million to Fort Drum and a total of $10.9 million in funding for military bases in New York State. The projects will immediately create more local jobs in communities across New York, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.
The funding breaks down as follows:
$22,651 to repair backflow preventers (water)/cross-connection testing
$1,450,000 to replace furnaces in 72 buildings by converting from oil to natural gas heat
$1,100,000 to barracks doors and install keyless entry 2nd BCT
$600,000 for emergency repairs to runway 15-33
This Recovery Act funding addresses some of the unique economic pressures faced by American service members across the nation. These kinds of investments in military construction will further President Obama’s goal of providing stimulus to the economy while helping to improve the quality of life for our troops and their families.
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