Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $1,243,000 for the Joint Force Headquarters announced Congressman Kurt Schrader who requested funding for the project. The funding was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that passed the House 411-6.

“This funding will allow the Oregon Military Department to begin the process of making much needed upgrades to their joint force headquarters,” said Schrader. “Funding these renovations not only provides our brave men and women with the tools they need to do their jobs but also ensures their safety and creates construction jobs here at home, helping us put Oregonians back to work.”

“There has been great demand on the Oregon Military Department to support the Global War on Terror,” said Major General Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General. “The additional manpower requirements have made it very difficult to provide the quality work environment our employees deserve.  We are pleased that Congressman Schrader has obtained these vital resources to start the design phase of this project.”

The current Joint Force Headquarters building for the Oregon Military Department was built in 1988 and is located in Salem, Oregon.  The building’s readiness rating, according to the Infrastructure Status Report, is Green and indicates that the facility is adequate for interim use. The report however, finds that the headquarters is deficient in office space, conference, classroom space, and storage space to support units’ requirements. The headquarters also needs upgrades in mechanical systems that are not being met and will add and alter the existing building to accommodate Oregon Air and Army National Guard forces.

Differences between both the House and Senate Versions of the FY 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill will be worked out in a conference committee before Congress sends a final bill to the President for signing.