McHugh: House Approves $107 Million in Funding for Fort Drum

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 1  —  U.S. Congressman John M. McHugh (R-Pierrepont Manor) announced today that the House of Representatives approved funding for projects that provide direct benefit to Fort Drum. 

The House passed the FY 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act overwhelmingly, with funding totaling $107.9 million for Fort Drum. 

Congressman McHugh, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, championed the inclusion of these projects in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of FY 2009 that passed the House of Representatives on May 22. 

Appropriating funding for the authorized projects is a necessary step in the process.

“Supporting our military and our troops, particularly those at Fort Drum, is a top priority of mine. I am pleased the military construction bill included funding for projects that will improve our military readiness and quality of life on post at Fort Drum. New barracks, a second fire station, maintenance facilities, and training area for the Army National Guard all help to support the tremendous growth that is happening at Fort Drum and the missions the Army is conducting around the world,” said McHugh. “Additionally, the bill provides needed funding for our nation’s veterans, appropriating $47.7 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs for facilities, health care, benefits, and other support services for veterans.”

Specific base enhancement projects at Fort Drum included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act are:

Fire station at Fort Drum – the bill provides $6.9 million to construct a new Number Two Fire Station at Fort Drum, New York, which will be used to help meet installation health and safety requirements.

Brigade Complex - Barracks – the bill provides a total of $53 million for barracks at Fort Drum.

Unit Maintenance Facilities – the bill provides $37 million for Unit Maintenance Facilities at Fort Drum.

Maneuver Area Training Equip Site Phase 3 (for the Army National Guard) – the bill provides $11 million for a Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site for the Army Guard.

The FY 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act will now need to be passed by the Senate.

Official: Rep. John M. McHugh