The blueprint directs $121.1 million for six military construction projects across Ohio, including: $9.2 million to design an “Advanced Materials Research Laboratory” at Wright-Patterson, $1.9 million to design a Space Force Intelligence Center, also at Wright-Patterson, as well as $53 million for a district cooling plant at the base, to improve energy efficiency, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, a longtime advocate of the base.
“This is recognition that investment at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base pays off in mission growth,” Turner said in an interview Wednesday. “The Air Force and Congress see a real return in national security as a result of the work of the men and women at Wright-Patt.”
With the Space Force Intelligence Center funding, the first steps are taken toward a distinct home for the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC), which today shares space with the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, or NASIC, on the base’s Area A.
Turner called that an “an exciting project.”
“NSIC is a spin-off from NASIC,” he said. “Getting them their own facility will ensure enhanced capabilities for them as we look to their future.”
The process will likely take several years. This past May, Turner and Wright-Patt leaders cut the ribbon a $156 million, 255,000-square-foot intelligence complex for the two intelligence-gathering centers.
The bill also offers funding to help 3,700 military spouses find jobs and for child-care for 6,700 children in military families.
According to the House Armed Services Committee (of which Turner is a member), the bill approves a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% pay raise for other service members.
The condition of the main runway at Wright-Patterson remains an issue that has concerned base advocates and members of the House and Senate. Amir Mott, deputy director of the 88th Civil Engineer Group at Wright-Patterson, said in October that the runway has been operating in “critical condition.”
“Congressman Turner and his team are working with the appropriations staff on both the House and the Senate side in an attempt to secure funding for planning and design of the repair of the Wright-Patt runway,” a spokesman for Turner said.
“The runway is obviously a long-term project that’s essential for the continuing operations of many of the missions at Wright-Patt,” Turner said.
Wednesday’s vote will be on the final NDAA negotiated by the members of both the House and Senate. Language released jointly by the House and Senate Armed Services committees authorized $883.7 billion in the act, including $849.9 billion for Department of Defense programs and a topline of $895.2 billion.
Credit: Staff Sgt. Kayla White
Credit: Staff Sgt. Kayla White
The Senate still must vote on the NDAA, which will likely happen tomorrow or Friday.
Current government funding expires Dec. 20. Turner said the House is working on a continuing resolution to extend funding.
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