Press Release: Gov Ritter Proposes Funding for National Guard
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OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
WWW.COLORADO.GOV/GOVERNOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, NOV.3, 2009
CONTACTS
Megan Castle, 303.319.8513, megan.castle@state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER PROPOSES FUNDING FOR NATIONAL GUARD
Listen to Gov. Ritter's Remarks here
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced he is proposing new state funding that will help build Colorado National Guard armories and readiness centers in Grand Junction, Alamosa and Windsor. The state funds will draw down a larger federal match for construction of the facilities.
"Colorado is blessed to have such a large community of military personnel and military veterans. It's part of the Colorado fabric, part of who we are as a state," Gov. Ritter said. "These armories will help ensure that the citizen-soldiers of the Colorado National Guard have the resources and the facilities they need to properly train and adequately prepare for future missions, whether aiding their fellow Coloradans here at home or on the battlefield overseas."
Gov. Ritter submitted the Fiscal Year 2010-11 funding proposal to the legislature's Capital Development Committee on Monday. The plan calls for using $6.4 million from the Colorado Veterans Trust Fund and Real Estate Proceeds Fund to draw down $1.3 million in federal matching funds and to secure an additional $10 million in federal funds. The armories will accommodate a new 800-soldier infantry battalion assigned to Colorado in 2007 as part of the Army's "Grow the Force" initiative. The Guard is currently recruiting for these battalions.
The armory projects will bring vital construction jobs to Grand Junction, Alamosa and Windsor, as well as dozens of National Guard jobs that would provide millions of dollars in economic benefits to these communities.
"These armories will mean a lot to the Colorado communities of Alamosa, Grand Junction, and Windsor. They will bring federal and state dollars and jobs. The economic impact is in the millions," said Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, the Adjutant General of Colorado. "These armories will also ensure our readiness to perform our state and federal missions. It's a win-win for all."
"The military is part of Colorado's foundation and it's a part of Colorado's future," said Senate President Brandon Shaffer, who served in the Navy for four years. "This plan will bring more military facilities to Colorado, 'growing the force' as part of the Army's initiative, and growing Colorado's economy. These new facilities will provide our soldiers with the resources they need to keep people all across the state safe and secure."
"It's essential we continue to support our National Guard troops in Colorado," said state Sen. Gail Schwartz, whose Senate District 5 includes Alamosa. "Having just visited the temporary location of this armory in Alamosa with Gov. Ritter and Congressman Salazar, I strongly support creating this opportunity for the San Luis Valley."
"Providing the state match to construct these armories is something we must do," said state Rep. Joe Rice, who is returning to Colorado from duty as a colonel with the Army Reserve in Iraq. "The citizen-soldiers who will use them serve our communities, state, and nation. This bill puts Coloradans to work and improves the readiness of our National Guard. I am honored to work with the United Veterans Committee to get these armories constructed while also ensuring we preserve the Veterans Trust Fund. The members of UVC continue their legacy of service and always embody the 'can do' spirit."
About Each Project:
Grand Junction: A 37,446-square-foot facility that would include a drill hall, classrooms, kitchen and offices on a 15-acre site. About 130 personnel will be located in Grand Junction.
Alamosa: A 27,153-square-foot building that would include a drill hall, classrooms, kitchen and offices on 25 acres. About 79 personnel will be located in Alamosa.
Windsor: A 30,717-square-foot facility that would include a drill hall, classrooms, kitchen and offices on 25 acres. About 130 personnel will be located in Windsor.
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