For Release: Friday, May 19, 2006
Contact: David Gillies (Costello): (202) 225-5661
              Steve Tomaszewski (Shimkus): (618) 344-3065

HOUSE PASSES $34.55 MILLION FOR SCOTT AFB FACILITIES

Washington - Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) announced that the House of Representatives today approved just under $35 million for facilities at Scott Air Force Base (AFB) as part of the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2007.  The legislation will next be considered by the Senate. 

The projects include:

• $10.2 million for a new Squadron Operations Facility, which is needed to provide the 932nd Air Force Reserve Wing and the 375th Airlift Wing with one central facility to perform operations for an Active Associate unit to fly Operational Support Airlift (OSA) operations.

• $4.35 million for a Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) parts storage facility, which would be used for storage, distribution and administration for two different contractors with different parts inventories as well as unique management and distribution processes in support of the C9C and C40 airframes at Scott.

• $20 million for a dormitory.  Currently, Scott has inadequate on-base housing to accommodate the unaccompanied enlisted personnel.  The current quarters specifically designed for unaccompanied enlisted personnel do not meet air force standards, including force protection requirements.  The new dormitory would improve the quality of life for our airmen and women and further boost morale, productivity, and career satisfaction.

"These projects have become even more important with the additional missions Scott will be taking on as part of the recommendations of the BRAC Commission last year," said Costello.  "After the previous BRAC round in 1995, we began a ten year process of improving and upgrading Scott.  The 800 new jobs that Scott is gaining is a testament to that effort, and these projects are the first step in making sure that Scott remains an integral part of our national defense and the main economic engine of our region for years to come."

"While BRAC may be behind us, we must continue to work together to secure funding for projects of impact at Scott Air Force Base.  These three projects will improve both the military operations on base as well as the needs of our military personnel stationed here.  I know the value of Scott only continues to grow as the BRAC recommendations are implemented and as we continue to fund the needs of the base," stated Shimkus. 

Scott AFB employs over 13,000 people including about 5,800 active duty military employees.  It is estimated to account for an additional 6,800 jobs in surrounding communities while pumping $2.1 billion annually into the economy of the bi-state region. 

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