FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2004

LARSON: SOUTHINGTON NATIONAL GUARD FACILITY TO RECEIVE $4 MILLION FROM MILITARY CONSTRUCTION BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today announced that $4 million was included in the military construction bill signed into law this month to expand the Connecticut National Guard armory in Southington. The funding will be used to build additional space at the armory to house the 103rd Chemical Company, which focuses on chemical reconnaissance and decontamination. To accommodate the company, space must be added to the facility for additional administration, storage, classrooms, locker room, dining facility, parking and maintenance needs it will require.

�This funding will allow the Connecticut National Guard to begin the much needed expansion of the Southington armory to meet the needs of the 103rd Chemical Company,� said Larson. �The new construction will make it possible to fully accommodate this important unit, giving them the added resources they need to best defend the nation.�

The unit will have a required strength of 69 personnel. In addition to the expansion of the armory, the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will also require modification and/or replacement. A 10-acre site owned by the state will be used for the expansion.

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Congressman Larson is a Member of the House Armed Services Committee