Press Room
On The Issues
Photo Gallery
Multimedia
Committees
eNewsletter Sign-up
Just For Kids!

Contact Stephanie
Flag Requests
Visit DC
Casework
Internships
Academy Nominations

Sponsored 110th
Co-Sponsored 110th
Sponsored 109th
Co-Sponsored 109th
Sponsored 108th
Co-Sponsored 108th

About Stephanie
About South Dakota
Useful Links
Thomas
Veterans History
   Project

For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart
June 25, 2008
(202) 226-8555

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES MORE THAN $30 MILLION REQUESTED BY HERSETH SANDLIN FOR SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD

Legislation Funds Facility Construction at Joe Foss Field and Camp Rapid

June 25th, 2008, Washington, DC- Late yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee approved funding for the Military Construction and Department of Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. Included in the legislation is $33.5 million requested by Rep. Herseth Sandlin for essential upgrades to South Dakota’s National Guard Facilities, Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls and Camp Rapid in Rapid City.

Herseth Sandlin said “South Dakota’s National Guardsmen and Reservists bravely serve and sacrifice to support our country’s missions at home and abroad. The funding approved by the Appropriations Committee ensures that when these men and women leave their families and communities to serve, they will train at world-class facilities appropriate to prepare them for the challenges of today’s conflicts.”

The funding requested by Herseth Sandlin that was included in the bill includes:

South Dakota Air National Guard-Joe Foss Field: The South Dakota Air National Guard, headquartered at Joe Foss Field and charged with the 114th Fight Wing mission, received $4.5 million to relocate aircraft ready shelters and upgrade the Aircraft Organization Maintenance Shop. Currently, the Aircraft Organizational Maintenance Shop is undersized and inadequate for the current mission of the 114th Fighter Wing. This project will construct two new or relocated 5,500 square foot aircraft ready shelters, a 3,400 square foot addition to the Organizational Maintenance Shop, and a renovation of 3,670 square feet of the existing shop area.

South Dakota Army National Guard-Camp Rapid: The South Dakota Army National Guard, headquartered at Camp Rapid, received $29 million to construct the Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ). This facility is required to house the joint (Army and Air) headquarters for the South Dakota National Guard and other units in close proximity, a project also supported in the administration’s budget. Currently the JFHQ operates out of 9 facilities, some of which are more than 60 years old and unsuitable for renovation. When built, the facility will consolidate many buildings, thereby improving communication and efficiency in administration and natural resources consumption.

###

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.