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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Funding for a new multi-purpose education center at the Little Rock Air Force Base was included in the National Defense Authorization Act conference report that is expected to pass the House today. The bill is expected to pass the Senate soon and will be sent to the President to sign, U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Vic Snyder and Marion Berry announced today.
The bill will authorize $9.8 million for the Multi-Purpose Education Center, which would replace the current education facility that is small, outdated, and hard for civilians to access. Heightened security restrictions have limited civilian access to military bases including the education programs offered at Little Rock Air Force Base. Officials will construct this new educational facility off-base, so classes can continue to operate without interruption during times of increased security restrictions. Arkansas State University will operate the new facility, providing a wider selection of academic programs to active duty and reserve military personnel, their dependents, and interested civilians. Other Arkansas colleges and university systems would also have access to the courses and curriculum provided at this location.
“This project, which will offer increased academic courses to the airmen and women at the base as well as civilians from the area, would not be possible without the strong working relationship between the community and the base,” said Congressman Vic Snyder. “I look forward to the construction of this Education Center.”
"The Little Rock Air Force Base has created a long tradition of excellence, both in its overall mission as a part of our national defense and its contribution to the entire Arkansas community," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "This federal funding will allow the LRAFB to build upon its success of providing educational opportunities for military and civilian students alike. In addition, I want to commend the citizens of Jacksonville for their commitment to the LRAFB."
“The state-of-the-art education center envisioned by the Base and community will provide airmen and civilians unprecedented access to new educational opportunities," Pryor said. “I am excited about this project and will continue to work with Congressman Snyder, Senator Lincoln and local officials to advance these federal funds forward.”
“This is great news for Little Rock Air Force Base and residents in the surrounding communities who will now have access to a brand new educational facility,” said Congressman Berry. “This is a significant investment in our Air Force Base, its employees, and all the universities that will benefit from the enhanced academic program.”
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