FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/21/2014
ANCHORAGE — Mark Begich is committed to growing and strengthening Alaska’s military infrastructure and missions. In the U.S. Senate Begich has used his clout to bring increased military construction projects and resources to Alaska’s military installations. In a second term, Begich is committed to delivering for Alaska’s military bases and military families to keep them both strong.
“Mark Begich knows thousands of Alaska jobs depend on our military installations and he’s proud of his record of delivering for Alaska’s military bases, which are an integral part of Alaska’s communities. Mark Begich has worked to bring major investments to Alaska’s military installations and will always fight to make sure our bases and military members have the resources and support they need to accomplish their missions,” said Max Croes, Communications Director for Alaskans for Begich.
Some Examples of Mark Begich Delivering for Alaska:
Statewide Military Construction Funding:
Department Of Defense Spending Bill Brings Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars To Alaska’s Military Bases. “Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, announced more riches may be coming to Alaska in the Defense Department spending bill. Awaiting the president’s signature, it includes hundreds of millions of dollars for Alaska bases.” [Alaska Dispatch, 12/16/11]
Begich, Murkowski ‘Landed More Than $200 Million’ In New Military Spending From 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill. The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer reported, “Interior Alaska military installations landed more than $200 million in new spending in a 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that was unveiled by congressional leaders late Monday… Both of Alaska’s senators are on the Appropriations Committee. Sen. Mark Begich and Sen. Lisa Murkowski both issued news releases Tuesday touting Alaska’s success in the process.” [Fairbanks Daily Newsminer, 1/15/14]
Joint Base Elemendorf Richardson (JBER):
JBER Received Over $200 Million For Four Construction Projects Through The Department Of Defense Spending Bill. The Anchorage Daily Newsreported, “Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, announced more riches may be coming to Alaska in the Defense Department spending bill. Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson: $74 million for the Brigade Complex, $3.6 million for organizational parking, $26 million for a physical fitness facility, $97 million for the Brigade Combat Team (Light) Complex” . [Alaska Dispatch, 12/16/11]
Begich Secured $97 Million For The Construction Of The JBER Brigade Combat Team Complex. The Anchorage Daily News reported, “Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, announced more riches may be coming to Alaska in the Defense Department spending bill. Awaiting the president’s signature, it includes hundreds of millions of dollars for Alaska bases. Highlights include: $97 million for the Brigade Combat Team (Light) Complex.” [Anchorage Daily News, 12/16/11]
The Barracks Renewal Would House 72 Soldiers For Fort Richardson Personnel. JBER reported, “New Barracks Facility (Barracks) Purpose: The projects would provide new and substantially improved living quarters for approximately 60 enlisted personnel with a maximum utilization of 72 soldiers. New housing facilitates would meet USARAK and Army requirements for improved quality of life for military personnel, enhance the capabilities to perform military activities in military operations and be compatible with current standards and criteria. Need: This project is required to help fill a housing shortage due to the proposed transformation of the 172nd Brigade to a SBCT. Stationing requirements of SBCT would increase soldier populations at FRA. Adequate housing is not currently available. Inadequate, substandard and crowded military housing increase maintenance and operational costs, energy use and decreased quality of life for military personnel, which results in low retention rates for highly trained and skilled soldiers.” [JBER, accessed 8/28/14]
Fort Wainwright:
Department Of Defense Spending Bill Gave Fort Wainwright $114 Million For The New Aviation Complex. [Alaska Dispatch, 12/16/11]
Air Force Received Over $17 Million Through The Recovery Act To Put Wind Generators Near Point Hope And For Energy Improvements To Fort Wainwright The Anchorage Daily News reported, “In other stimulus money for the Air Force: $14.1 million will go for wind generators at long-range radar stations near Point Hope, Platinum and Scammon Bay $3.45 million is set for energy improvements at Fort Wainwright facilities.” [Anchorage Daily News, 4/21/09]
Eielson Air Force Base:
Eielson Air Force Base Received Over $59 Million For Two Construction Projects Through The Department Of Defense Spending Bill. TheAnchorage Daily News reported, “Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, announced more riches may be coming to Alaska in the Defense Department spending bill. $45 million for dormitory, $14.8 million to upgrade rail line.” [Alaska Dispatch, 12/16/11]
Eielson Air Force Base Received $53.9 Million Through The Recovery Act To Replace 76 Family Housing Units. The Anchorage Daily News reported, “The Air Force will spend in Alaska $53.9 million appropriated under the economic stimulus bill, said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to replace 76 family housing units on Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. Contracts are slated to be awarded in September, with construction starting next year and completed by 2012.” [Anchorage Daily News, 4/21/09]
Fort Greely:
Fort Greely Received $82 Million For The Mechanical-Electrical Building.The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer reported, “The $1.1 trillion spending plan, which was passed with bipartisan support, includes funding for projects at Fort Wainwright, Clear Air Force Station and Fort Greely. It includes a new $58 million aviation storage hangar and $45 million aviation battalion complex at Fort Wainwright; $82 million mechanical-electrical building at Fort Greely; and a $17.2 million upgrade for the ballistic missile defense system early warning radar at Clear.” [Fairbanks Daily Newsminer, 1/15/14]
Clear Air Force Station:
Clear Air Force Station Received $17.2 Million For Upgrades To The Ballistic Missile Defense System Early Warning Radar. The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer reported, “The $1.1 trillion spending plan, which was passed with bipartisan support, includes funding for projects at Fort Wainwright, Clear Air Force Station and Fort Greely. It includes a new $58 million aviation storage hangar and $45 million aviation battalion complex at Fort Wainwright; $82 million mechanical-electrical building at Fort Greely; and a $17.2 million upgrade for the ballistic missile defense system early warning radar at Clear.” [Fairbanks Daily Newsminer, 1/15/14]
Kodiak Special Operations:
Kodiak Special Operations Forces Received Over $18 Million For A Cold Weather Maritime Training Facility Through The Department Of Defense Spending Bill. [Alaska Dispatch, 12/16/11]
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