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Jul-10-2009 19:41printcomments

U.S. House Approves $12.1 Million for Dallas Armory

The Oregon National Guard had been pushing for the funding for years, and was quick to praise the funding announcement.

Oregon National Guard Armory in Dallas
Courtesy: Oregon National Guard

(DALLAS, Ore.) - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved $12.1 million to replace the Oregon National Guard’s Polk County Readiness Center, announced Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) who requested the funding for the project. The funding was included in the Military Construction Appropriations bill that passed the House on Friday.

“This funding means badly needed construction jobs in the region” said Schrader. “But it’s also a critical part of our promise to take care of our brave soldiers and their families.”

The Dallas Armory was originally built in 1911. Over the last 98 years it has become structurally unsound due to age and recent winter storm damages, such that it is no longer safe to occupy.

Unit personnel are conducting training assemblies at an alternate location in Salem.

The unit readiness center is the local projection platform and center of gravity for Army National Guard Mobilizations and Deployments; the readiness center is the face of the National Guard to the community. It is where soldiers meet and train as well as store operational equipment.

It is the center of support for communities during natural and man-made disasters and the center for administration and maintenance as well as being a community center during times of peace.

The Oregon National Guard had been pushing for the funding for years, and was quick to praise the funding announcement.

"We are absolutely delighted with this great news on the Dallas Armory,” said Brig. General Mike Caldwell, Deputy Director of the Oregon Military Department.

"This is the oldest Armory we have in the state and it had to be closed due to the structural failure this past winter. This could not have come at a better time."

Officials say this project is ready to execute and will put money directly into the local and state economy providing jobs in construction and maintenance during the period of construction and supporting the local economy post-construction.

Additionally, this facility will be available for use by citizens and groups throughout the area through the Oregon Military Department rental program to hold functions and events further supporting the local economy.

The differences between the House and Senate versions of the FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill will need to be worked out in conference before Congress sends a final bill to President Barack Obama for his signature.

Source: U.S. House of Representatives




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