Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor today announced that the Senate has approved $412 million for construction projects at the Little Rock Air Force Base and Pine Bluff Arsenal.
Pryor is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which allows him the opportunity to shape the bill during the legislative process.
“I have continually fought for provisions that will strengthen our military and help provide the best training, equipment, and technology for the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces. The funding included in this bill will boost our state’s economy and allow Arkansans to continue to play a critical role in strengthening the U.S. military,” said Lincoln.
“Our men and women in uniform deserve the best training and equipment during their service, and the best care when they return home. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’m proud this legislation strengthens our military bases, provides better housing opportunities for military families and wounded warriors, and improves veterans health care,” Pryor said. “This bill also includes much-needed funds to enhance the operations at the Little Rock Air Force Base and Pine Bluff Arsenal, and I will work hard to keep these priorities intact as the appropriations process moves forward.”
The Senators said the Fiscal Year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill includes $133.9 billion in appropriations for military construction, military family housing, and veteran’s affairs programs.
$10.4 million for a Security Forces Operations Facility at Little Rock Air Force Base
This facility will consolidate security functions currently dispersed in three separate facilities on base, thus decreasing the time required to arm, equip, and dispatch emergency response and mobility forces. The new facility will improve energy efficiency and provide space to effectively manage Department of Defense security operations and Air Force base defense programs.
$5.8 million for a C-130 Flight Simulator Addition at Little Rock Air Force Base
This appropriation will be used to fund a C-130 flight simulator, which is a training tool the Air Force uses to instruct and prepare pilots for non-standard flying operations. Pilots rely on simulators to practice emergency procedures, such as power failures, hydraulic malfunctions, and loss of engine situations. This funding was requested in the President’s budget.
Pine Bluff Arsenal
$25 million for a Fuse and Detonator Magazine, Depot Level, at the Pine Bluff Arsenal
This funding will renovate 71 warehouses that are used to store Category III and IV armed ammunition and explosives. This project consists of upgrades and improvements to the structures including water supply, security and fire alarm systems, fire hydrants, power supply systems, roads, and loading docks. This funding was requested in the President’s budget.
