U.S. Senator Ken Salazar

Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs Committees

 

2300 15th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

 

 

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 6, 2007

CONTACT:Stephanie Valencia – 202-228-3630
Cody Wertz 303-350-0032

 

 Sen. Salazar Helps Secure Over $600 Million for Key Colorado Military Installations in MilCon-Vets Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, United States Senator Ken Salazar announced that Colorado’s military installations will receive over $600 million under the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2008 (H.R. 2642) - passed by the Senate earlier today. Overall, the bill will provide $109.2 billion in appropriations for military construction, military family housing and veterans’ affairs programs throughout the Country. Senator Salazar also was successful in including an amendment that will halt the expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site for one year.

“By passing this very important piece of legislation, the U.S. Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to the brave men and women who serve, and have served as members of America’s armed forces,” said Senator Salazar. “With this funding, we are investing significantly in Colorado’s military installations to ensure that Colorado maintains its position as a National leader and crown jewel of American Homeland Security.”

Below are highlights of Colorado specific projects which will receive funding under the Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations Bill, passed by the U.S. Senate earlier today:

  • $61.3 million for the Fitzsimons VA Hospital
  • $470 million in military construction funds for Fort Carson
  • $24.5 million for construction of an Air and Space Integration Facility at Schriever Air Force Base
  • $15 million for upgrades to academic facilities at the U.S. Air Force Academy
  • $35 million for continued clean-up at the Pueblo Depot
  • $7.3 million to replace the outdated squadron operations facility that houses the F-16’s of the 140th Air Wing of the Colorado National Guard
  • $10 million for utility infrastructure improvements at Buckley Air Force Base

Click here for more information on these provisions.

In addition, Senator Salazar successfully fought to include the following amendments in the Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations Act of 2008, which address key Colorado military and veterans issues and concerns:

  • Salazar Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site Amendment (SA2662)
  • Allard-Salazar Fitzsimons Amendment (SA2688)
  • Tester-Salazar Mileage Reimbursement for Veterans (SA2669)

Click here for more information on these amendments.

H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2008, as amended, will now go to Conference Committee where it will be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives. The conference report will then have to be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the President.

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