Includes Vital Funding for Dover AFB and the Delaware National Guard

Washington, DC -- Today, Delaware Congressman Mike Castle supported House passage of H.R. 6599, known as the FY09 Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill.  The bill authorized a total of $118.7 billion in funding for military construction, veterans' health programs, and family housing projects throughout the United States.  H.R. 6599 passed the House by a vote of 409-4.  Rep. Castle has consistently supported necessary funding for Delaware's veterans and critical military installations, and was pleased to announce that this bill will allocate approximately $65 million for military construction projects in our state (list of specific projects is below).

 This legislation provides important funding that will benefit veterans throughout the U.S., allocating $40.7 billion for VA health programs, including $4.4 billion for medical administration; $5 billion for medical facilities; and $500 million for medical and prosthetic research. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate, where debate will likely take place when Congress returns in September.

 "The men and women who are fighting and have fought for our country deserve the best medical centers, facilities, and family housing that we can offer," said. Rep. Castle. "Congress has faced gridlock this year when it comes to the appropriations process, and I am pleased that we were able to put the political squabbling aside to pass this important legislation for our veterans and active duty troops. I am also pleased that this legislation funds key military construction projects at Dover Air Force Base and the Delaware National Guard Base in New Castle. Finally, with over 80,000 veterans living in Delaware, this spending bill is vital when it comes to adequately funding veterans' health programs and facilities like the Veterans Medical Center and out-patient clinics throughout our state."

Delaware Projects Included in H.R. 6599

• Dover Air Force Base
  • $19M for a new physical fitness center for airmen.  A new facility is necessary to meet the Air Force's new requirements and emphasis on physical fitness, health, and wellness.  The existing facility is insufficient to accommodate year-round use, which is necessary for mission readiness.  The new facility will provide for an additional gymnasium and fitness rooms as well as incorporating a Health and Wellness Center.
  • $3.373M to bring a 55,000 barrel bulk fuel storage tank into compliance with American Petroleum Institute criteria and military requirements and ensure adequate fuel supply for C-5 and C-17 aircraft assigned to Dover AFB.
• Delaware Air National Guard
  • $3.2M for a new Information Operations Communication Facility benefiting the DE Air National Guard's Information Operations Unit. Without a new facility, the unit will not be capable of properly training or supporting active combat missions with respect to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
• Delaware Army National Guard
  • $28M for an Army Aviation Support Facility to provide adequate facilities to protect, maintain, and operate the 14 UH-60s assigned to the Delaware Army National Guard.
• Wilmington Armed Forces Reserve Center
  • $11.53M for the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Portion of the Armed Forces Reserve Center,ing the current 40 year old facility which is too small and poorly configured for the mission. replac

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