WASHINGTON – The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill, legislation that includes $37 million for Mississippi’s military bases, $22 million of which was secured by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker.  The bill will now be submitted to the full Senate for consideration.

“Military installations across our state play an important role in helping defend our nation,” Sen. Wicker said.  “In the interest of our state and for the good of our military, I am glad the committee has approved this funding.  I will continue working with Sen. Cochran to ensure these important funds are approved by the full Senate.” 

Funds have been awarded for:

Gulfport-Biloxi, Air National Guard:  $3.4 million for the relocation of a munitions storage complex.  This project will relocate the old, existing ammunition storage facility from its current location to a new and safer location and facility.   

Meridian Naval Air Station:  $6.34 million for the expansion of the fitness center.  The expansion will upgrade mechanical and electrical systems, reduce maintenance costs, and provide space for military water survival training.   

Keesler Air Force Base:  $6.6 million for the construction of an indoor firing range.  This will provide an in-house ability to conduct weapons qualifications and will eliminate the environmental impact that outdoor ranges have.   

Gulfport Naval Construction Battalion Center (CBC):  $5.87 million for the construction of a battalion maintenance facility and equipment yard.   This will provide the CBC with a secure area to store and maintain its equipment. 

Additionally, Sen. Wicker announced funding included in the bill for two additional projects that were included in President Bush’s budget.

Columbus Air Force Base:  $8.1 million for a new child development center.  The new facility will more than double the number of families that can be accommodated with children six weeks to five years of age and will provide full-day, part-day, and hourly service.

Gulfport Naval Construction Battalion Center:  $6.9 million for the construction of a new headquarters. 

Senator Wicker is an Air Force veteran and is a member of the Armed Services Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.