Grassley said $6.091 million for the Sioux City Air National Guard, which is in the process of converting from using F-16 aircraft to KC-135 aircraft, will help construct a fire, security and crash and rescue complex. The funds would also provide administration, training, support, and a vault to the base personnel in preparation and execution of their assigned missions.
Another $2 million for the Sioux City Air National Guard will help upgrade runways and taxiways at the airport. Grassley said these upgrades would allow the National Guard to get planes in the air swiftly and safely and reduce delays for both military and civilian aircraft.
The Readiness Center at Fort Dodge would also receive $1.5 million and the Readiness Center/Maintenance Shop at Iowa City would receive $830,000 through this appropriations bill.
"These two readiness centers drastically need to be updated to be able to provide efficient and effective training complexes for soldiers," Grassley said. "These soldiers need to be able to train in proper facilities so they are ready to complete their assigned federal and state missions."
After Senate passage today, the bill will move for consideration by a Senate-House conference committee. Grassley said he will continue to work with Senate appropriators throughout the process to see that funding for the projects is included in the final version of the bill. The appropriations process begins each spring and is typically completed at the end of each congressional session.
Here is information about the specific projects.
Iowa Air National Guard, Sioux City ? $6.091 million to construct a fire, crash rescue, and security complex. The 185th Fighter Wing has been in the process of converting to KC-135 aircraft, and the new facility will help the unit prepare and execute their new missions.
Iowa Air National Guard, Sioux City ? $2 million to upgrade the runway and taxiways for the Sioux City unit.
Readiness Center, Fort Dodge ? $1.5 million to expand the current facility to provide adequate classroom, administrative, supply and locker/latrine areas.
Readiness Center/Maintenance Shop, Iowa City ? $830,000 to assist with the planning and design of a new Readiness Center and Maintenance Shop. The Readiness Center supports five company-sized units with a strength of over 450 officers and enlisted soldiers in the accomplishment of essential mobilization training and readiness training in preparation to complete their assigned state and/or federal missions. The Shop supporting these five units will permit efficient maintenance support at the organization level.