06.30.11

Hoeven Backs Minot Air Force Base Construction Projects

WASHINGTON– Senator John Hoeven today worked to ensure the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act includes the almost $68 million requested by the Air Force for construction projects at Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which passed the funding bill and sent it to the full Senate for approval. The legislation includes $34 million for a B-52 maintenance dock, $11.8 million for a B-52 munitions maintenance facility and $22 million for a 168-room dormitory at Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven stressed the importance of the projects in helping Minot Air Force Base meet its growing mission, as well as the potential for these projects to benefit a community hard-hit by recent flooding. “With a second bomb squadron now stationed in Minot, we need to ensure the base has adequate infrastructure for the Airmen and the equipment to successfully fulfill their growing mission,” said Hoeven. “Constructing an additional dorm, a B-52 dock and the munitions facility will help them to do just that. Also, the new dormitory is more vital now than ever given the housing challenges in the Minot area as a result of the floods.” Hoeven also praised the work of the Minot Airmen in the community’s flood fight and recovery efforts. Flooding in the Minot area has displaced thousands of residents, including over 1100 Airmen and their families. “Our service members are dedicated and diligent in defending our nation from all kinds of threats both at home and abroad. We witnessed this as our Airmen stepped up and provided critical support to the local community as floodwaters rose,” Hoeven said. “They worked hand-in-hand with area residents and the North Dakota Guard to fill sandbags and help with evacuation efforts. Further, our men and women in uniform will continue to help rebuild the Minot community.”