GOVERNOR PATRICK SIGNS $177 MILLION MILITARY BOND BILL
Funding for Hanscom Air Force Base and Barnes Air National Guard
Base will support economic growth for municipalities, aid national security
efforts
BOSTON – Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick
last week signed H. 3736, “An Act Encouraging the Improvement, Expansion and
Development of Military Installations in the Commonwealth,” which authorizes
funding for infrastructure projects in partnership with Massachusetts military
installations and the Massachusetts National Guard. These projects are
designed to expand public and private sector growth for the cities and towns
surrounding each installation and enhance both the military installation’s
value in support of national and domestic security goals
“Our military bases offer incredible assets, help fuel our
economy and are an important contributor to our country’s national security,”
said Governor Patrick, Co-Chair of the Military Asset and Security Strategy
Task Force. “This authorization will send a clear message to the Pentagon
that we are serious about promoting and protecting our defense communities and
our one of a kind intellectual resources.”
The six military installations in Massachusetts include Barnes
Air National Guard Base in Westfield; Fort Devens; Hanscom Air Force Base;
Joint Base Cape Cod; Natick Soldier Systems Center; and Westover Air Reserve
Base in Chicopee. These installations account for a total economic impact
of $14.2 billion and more than 46,500 Massachusetts jobs. Additionally,
these bases are hubs for partnerships with the Commonwealth’s defense
sector. Massachusetts’ defense and homeland security federal contracts
collectively generate more than 130,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. In 2011,
Massachusetts received $13.9 billion in Department of Defense or Department of
Homeland Security contracts, an 83 percent increase to the Commonwealth since
2003.
The bill immediately authorizes a total investment of $12
million outlined in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Capital Investment Plan, and
gives the Commonwealth options to fund up to $165 million more in future years
to expand missions, create and retain jobs, and generate economic activity on
or around Massachusetts military installations.
The $12 million for FY 2014 supports three projects enhancing
the military mission and industry growth at Hanscom Air Force Base and Barnes
Air National Guard Base, and allows for the expansion of veterans’ services in
central Massachusetts:
· $2.9 million for
energy and communications upgrades to the Command, Control, Communications,
Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Enterprise Integration
Facility (CEIF) at Hanscom Air Force Base to realistically test and integrate
advanced software, cyber security and network applications and expand private
sector and research and development opportunities. The CEIF serves as a
secure, scalable environment for developing, integrating, and testing today's
cutting edge technologies and provides a secure infrastructure for systems.
· $9 million for Phases
I and II of the joint civilian and military Runway Infrastructure Project at
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport and Barnes Air National Guard Base. The
Commonwealth’s $9 million from this legislation leveraged $13.4 million in
federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Guard
Bureau as well as $250,000 from the City of Westfield. The completion of
the runway and associated projects, such as new taxiing space and utility and
electrical improvements, fills a critical infrastructure need for this busy,
regional airfield used by civilians, industry and the military, and brings
opportunities for continued economic growth to the region.
· $100,000 to close the
National Guard’s Worcester Armory and relocate the National Guard’s Military
Museum to Concord, allowing the non-profit Veterans Inc. to expand housing and
workforce development services for veterans in central Massachusetts.
“Hanscom Air Force base is committed to supporting our joint
warfighters in the most innovative, effective, and efficient ways
possible. We see our ongoing partnership and collaboration with the
Commonwealth and with other regional assets as helping us do just that,” said
Colonel Lester A. Weilacher, Commander of the 66th Air Base Group at Hanscom
Air Force Base. “Our expectation is that the bond bill will further enable
these partnerships and collaborative efforts.”
“The state’s military installations play a critical role in the
overall health of the economy, contributing billions of dollars and thousands
of jobs,” said Senate President Therese Murray. “It is important that we
continue to work to protect the future of our bases and this legislation makes
a strong commitment to supporting the advancement and sustainability of the
military bases in the Commonwealth.”
“This legislation ensures that we have sustainable plans to
improve military bases, an effort which should engender economic growth and
give military personnel they opportunities they so rightly deserve,” said
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. “I’m proud that Massachusetts leads the nation
in supporting our military institutions and personnel. I thank the Patrick
Administration, Senate President Murray, the Massachusetts Congressional
Delegation and all who work to make this goal a reality.”
“I want to applaud the efforts of everyone who offered their
guidance and assistance in this project, including Governor Patrick, members of
the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, and my colleagues in the
House and Senate. Over the next five years this bond bill will enhance state
and national security, bolster Massachusetts’ economy, protect local jobs, and
strengthen the Commonwealth’s commitment to our Military Forces, service
members and veterans,” said Representative Harold Naughton. “The men and women
of the Armed Forces dedicate their lives to serve and protect Massachusetts and
the nation. I am honored to have had the opportunity to help in providing them
with the tools and support necessary to fulfill their service. Solidifying
Massachusetts contribution to the national defense is yet another way we honor
the sacrifice of our veterans, both those who have returned and those who will
never return but in the hearts of those they loved.”
Any future investments will be made within the Patrick
Administration’s debt affordability policy, which has allowed for an
unprecedented level of capital investment in the Commonwealth while maintaining
the highest bond rating in the state’s history.
The bill designates the Military Asset and Security Strategy
Task Force to continue the long term effort to study potential projects that
benefit the military and the Commonwealth. The Task Force coordinates the
efforts of government, industry, and academia and seeks to address education,
workforce training, infrastructure improvements, environmental/utility matters,
veterans’ services, and housing and transportation issues related to the
missions and people at Massachusetts’ military installations. The Task Force is
co-chaired by Governor Patrick, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and former Senator
William “Mo” Cowan.
“This bond bill will enable the Commonwealth to invest in
projects that would benefit both the military’s mission at Massachusetts’ six
bases and the Commonwealth’s public sector, while also supporting the $14
billion economic impact the defense industry has in Massachusetts,” said
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas “This investment sends a loud and clear message to
the Pentagon that Massachusetts is an enthusiastic and willing partner to help
them address our nation’s most pressing challenges. As the sole member of the
Commonwealth’s congressional delegation to sit on the Armed Service Committee,
and co-chair of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task
Force, I have made it a priority to highlight the extraordinary work being done
at these installations and thank the Governor and our partners at the
Statehouse for their support.”
"The
funding ensured by this bill will help maintain the long-term mission of
Massachusetts’ military bases and fuel our economy by creating new
jobs and investing in much needed infrastructure projects, which
will benefit the communities surrounding bases across the
state,” said U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey. “I applaud Governor
Patrick for his leadership ensuring support for the vital missions
performed by military units stationed within the Commonwealth.”
"I
applaud the passage of the bond bill," said Congressman Bill Keating.
"This bill will not only strengthen the Guard presence in Massachusetts,
but will assist communities neighboring bases with such things like waste water
management and new renewable energy initiatives. The National Guard in
Massachusetts has been a leader in the development of these strategies while
protecting our citizens from natural and manmade disasters alike."
The Task Force is currently conducting comprehensive energy
assessments at the Commonwealth’s military bases in order to identify and
develop energy solutions that lower base operating costs and enhance energy
security. These efforts include studying complementary use ideas to create jobs
and reduce base operating costs at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee,
funding a Town of Natick road infrastructure project to benefit the Natick
Soldier Systems Center and private development, finalizing an ongoing land
exchange to enable an important military construction effort at Hanscom,
funding a one-of-a-kind acquisition management graduate program through the
University of Massachusetts designed to support Hanscom personnel and many
other efforts which leverage existing Congressional authorizations and
Department of Defense guidance to partner with state government. This bond
bill, and each of these initiatives, complements the Patrick Administration’s
strong commitment to the more than 500,000 veterans and military families who
live in Massachusetts.
Additionally, this bill:
· Expands the mandate of
the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force to encourage partnerships
with other New England states in support of regional efforts to enhance
installations in Massachusetts, and directs the Task Force to consider the establishment
of “military enterprise zones” to support existing installations, encourage
private investment and job creation, and diversify and revitalize local
economies near installations without encroaching on military property.
· De-authorizes $261 million
from the 2005 military bond bill, decreasing Massachusetts’ outstanding
authorizations by $84 million.
· Allows MassDevelopment
to provide utility services to military installations if pursued by an
installation.
· Assigns
MassDevelopment as the agency to oversee and implement military improvement and
expansion projects in partnership with military installations.
· Authorizes the
Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to transfer a parcel of
land at Otis Air National Guard Base to MassDOT in order to expand
non-passenger freight rail service on Cape Cod.
"The Military Bond Bill provides the resources that will
strengthen partnerships between local, state and federal governments,
contribute to the Commonwealth's economic vitality, preserve our military
heritage and enhance services for our honored veterans," said Major
General L. Scott Rice, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.
"I thank the Military Task Force, MassDevelopment and all our key partners
for their tireless efforts supporting this initiative."
“The Commonwealth’s military installations are a vital part of
our economy, and MassDevelopment is pleased to partner with the Task Force and
the six bases on economic development and expansion projects,” said MassDevelopment
President and CEO Marty Jones. “I would like to thank Governor Patrick and the
Legislature for their hard work and leadership on this bill.”
"As a Massachusetts based company, Rectrix Aviation
recognized early on the leadership of Governor Patrick’s Administration, the
FAA and the City of Westfield," said Rectrix Aviation President and CEO
Richard Cawley. "This funding is critical to generate new economic growth
and investment across the region. We are thrilled that the Barnes runway project
was completed with such strong support that makes us not only proud to invest
in Westfield Massachusetts, but other Massachusetts airports and infrastructure
as well."
“Massachusetts
is home to leading technology resources across government, industry and
academia that directly contribute to our nation's strengths, particularly in
securing our nation against cyber threats,” said Charlie Benway, Executive
Director of the Advanced Cyber Security Center. “Governor Patrick’s
leadership and the Commonwealth’s substantive commitment to Massachusetts
military installations, especially the investment in Hanscom Air Force Base's
CEIF, paves the way for public-private collaborations across multiple domains
to leverage these resources and deliver a multiplier effect in securing our
nation in cyber.”
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