For Immediate Release

February 2, 2004

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION BUDGET REQUEST
INCLUDES HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Housing improvements at Fort Lewis and Naval Station Bremerton are the largest elements of the military construction budget request referred to Congress today by the Bush Administration, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks said.

            A total of $142.1 million was requested for five construction projects at Washington state defense bases, the congressman said.  The request includes the second increment of a barracks complex at Fort Lewis, to be constructed for $48 million, and a new $34.13 million Bachelor Enlisted Quarters for shipboard personnel at Naval Station Bremerton.    In addition, $35.77 million is allocated to build a production and storage complex at Submarine Base Bangor, $20.31 million for a carrier maintenance complex at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and another $1.4 million will pay for additions and alterations to the Readiness Center at Camp Murray, headquarters of the Army National Guard.

           The military construction budget request also includes $2.5 million to acquire land in Vancouver for the new Army Reserve headquarters that will eventually be constructed.

          "We are determined to continue making the improvements in quality of life issues, including housing, that are critical to be able to continue to recruit and retain top-notch personnel in the all-volunteer military," Rep. Dicks said.

            As a member of the House panel charged with appropriating military construction funds after reviewing the President's budget request, Dicks said that Congress can alter or add to the amounts requested.  He said "In the past two decades, more than $2 billion has been spent to improve defense bases and military installations in Washington State, making them more efficient and increasing their value to the respective services."  He said it can also be an important factor when bases are evaluated during the base closing process when it takes place again in 2005.

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