Senate Appropriations Committee approves $12.2 million to Quincy for Army Reserve Center
Quincy
Herald-Whig
July 16, 2010
By: Doug Wilson
Funding for a $12.2 million Army Reserve Center in Quincy has received tentative approval from the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a press release that the money would cover land acquisition and construction of a 150-member training facility for the local Army Reserve transportation company. The new facility would be complete with an assembly area, library, learning center, weapons simulator and physical fitness areas. Plans call for the facility to be built just southwest of 24th and Weiss Lane.
The release said the facility is necessary to support additional Brigade Combat Teams currently being activated by the Army.
“Without the new facility, the Army Reserve will not be able to support the new brigades when they are deployed to meet current and future war fighting missions,” the release said.
The initiative was included in the president’s 2011 budget plan and is part of $58.4 million for military construction projects in Illinois. Other projects in the state would include a $13.2 million Army Reserve Center in Rockford, a $16.7 million upgrade of Component Numbered Air Force facilities in Springfield, a $15 million addition to the combined maintenance shop in Springfield and a $1.3 million upgrade at Scott Air Force Base.
The proposals still must receive approval from the full Senate and the House.
Quincy Mayor John Spring said meetings with Army Reserve officials began months ago. Generals from the Reserves have looked at a number of properties, mostly on the east side of Quincy.
“I see it as a positive thing for the region and the Army. I’m also very happy to see that Sen. Durbin was able, as he often does, to include a project in the Quincy area,” Spring said.
Plans call for the current Army Reserve Training Center at 601 N. 36th to be retained for use by military units other than the transportation unit.
Several local members of the Army Reserve and National Guard were aware of the plans to build a transportation training site, but declined comment because they were not authorized to discuss the project.
Capt. Adam Jackson, a spokesman for the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, could not be reached for comment.
Funding for a $12.2 million Army Reserve Center in Quincy has received tentative approval from the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a press release that the money would cover land acquisition and construction of a 150-member training facility for the local Army Reserve transportation company. The new facility would be complete with an assembly area, library, learning center, weapons simulator and physical fitness areas. Plans call for the facility to be built just southwest of 24th and Weiss Lane.
The release said the facility is necessary to support additional Brigade Combat Teams currently being activated by the Army.
“Without the new facility, the Army Reserve will not be able to support the new brigades when they are deployed to meet current and future war fighting missions,” the release said.
The initiative was included in the president’s 2011 budget plan and is part of $58.4 million for military construction projects in Illinois. Other projects in the state would include a $13.2 million Army Reserve Center in Rockford, a $16.7 million upgrade of Component Numbered Air Force facilities in Springfield, a $15 million addition to the combined maintenance shop in Springfield and a $1.3 million upgrade at Scott Air Force Base.
The proposals still must receive approval from the full Senate and the House.
Quincy Mayor John Spring said meetings with Army Reserve officials began months ago. Generals from the Reserves have looked at a number of properties, mostly on the east side of Quincy.
“I see it as a positive thing for the region and the Army. I’m also very happy to see that Sen. Durbin was able, as he often does, to include a project in the Quincy area,” Spring said.
Plans call for the current Army Reserve Training Center at 601 N. 36th to be retained for use by military units other than the transportation unit.
Several local members of the Army Reserve and National Guard were aware of the plans to build a transportation training site, but declined comment because they were not authorized to discuss the project.
Capt. Adam Jackson, a spokesman for the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, could not be reached for comment.