Schumer, Clinton Announce Senate Approval of $248.1 Million in Military Construction Funding for Fort Drum

November 16, 2006

Funds included in Fiscal Year 2007 Military Construction Appropriations Bill

Washington, DC – Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed approval this week by the Senate of the Fiscal Year 2007 Military Construction Appropriations Bill, which includes $248.1 million for Fort Drum.

The bill will now head into a Conference Committee where the House and Senate will resolve the differences between their versions. Following conference, the bill will again be sent to the House and Senate for final approval, after which it will be sent to the President for his signature.

“Ft. Drum continues to serve with distinction in our nation's war on terror around the world. The men and women stationed at Ft. Drum make a vital contribution to the community surrounding the base,” said Senator Schumer. “We must do everything we can to support Fort Drum and ensure that our troops have the best facilities and latest equipment. These new projects and facilities will enhance their ability to operate in almost any weather condition and reaffirm Ft. Drum’s leadership at the forefront of defense for New York and the nation.”

“This funding is critical to the upgrading of the facilities at Fort Drum and to its future mission and puts us yet another step closer to creating the first-class quarters our brave men and women in uniform deserve. Now more than ever, it remains critical that we support the base and the surrounding community with these kinds of investments in essential infrastructure and services. The expansion of Fort Drum promises to be an economic blessing for the region but we must ensure that we take the necessary steps to both accommodate the troops and realize that promise,” Senator Clinton said.

Funding in the FY 2007 Military Construction Appropriations Bill includes -

Fort Drum Dental Clinic - $9.7

Maneuver Area & Equipment Site - $12.7

Barracks Complex - $85.5 million

This funding is provided to address barracks shortage projected at Fort Drum and to provide upgraded conditions for those soldiers currently living in outdated, World War II-era barracks. The current plan includes the construction of three separate barracks complexes that will provide living quarters for over 1,400 single soldiers, common areas for general use, parking areas for barracks residents, and all related utilities. Additionally, design and construction will address all required Antiterrorism Force Protection requirements.

Brigade Complex - $116.3 million

This complex addresses the changing needs of the 10th Mountain Division as it reorganizes into three Brigade Combat Teams with all associated support units. With the construction of three brigade complexes, all units assigned to 10th Mountain Division will have required facilities.

Combined Arms Training Center - $16.5 million

This Center is required to train units at Fort Drum and deployable combat units, National Guard and Reserve Component units and other Federal Agencies in urban combat techniques to attain the degree of proficiency required for combat. It will provide units the ability to train on the full spectrum of conditions they may encounter in the complex environment of today’s battle field.

Child Development Center - $7.4

The Child Development Center is intended to meet the increased needs driven by Army stationing initiative. This facility will provide necessary classroom and outdoor facilities to ensure that the children have the proper environment to learn and grow.

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