Alabama military installations advance in funding process

As the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and related appropriation bills move forward in Congress, Alabama has an outsized role in the process.

The state’s U.S. senators reported specific gains last week for the state, as well as its ability to effectively serve in national defense.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Katie Britt announced she secured nearly $434 million for military installations for the state through her committee’s segment of the NDAA.

“Alabama will continue to lead the way when it comes to keeping our nation safe and secure,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “At a time when our enemies around the world such as China, Russia, and Iran continue to aggressively posture, I believe that there is no more important investment than our national security.”

Alongside Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, each senator included language in their respective funding bill that would prevent funds to construct or improve the temporary Space Command facilities in Colorado Springs, a move aimed at ensuring the SPACECOM headquarters remains at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

Britt announced funding inclusion for the following Alabama priorities:

Fort Novosel ($68.2 million):

Army Radar Approach Control Facility: $7 million (Britt)
Hazardous Materials Storage Facility: $3.85 million (Britt and Tuberville)
MEDEVAC Ready Building: $6.1 million (Britt and Tuberville)
Barracks Complex: $41.2 million (Britt)
Aircraft Parts Storage Facility: $4.95 million (Tuberville)
Vehicle Maintenance Storage Facility: $5.1 million (Tuberville)

Maxwell Air Force Base ($13.9 million):

Air Command and Staff College: $5.1 million (Britt)
Gunter Fitness Center: $8.8 million (Britt)

Redstone Arsenal ($25.3 million):

Airport Runway Extension: $5.5 million (Britt and Tuberville)
Airfield Fire and Rescue Station: $5.6 million (Britt)
Access Control Building: $4 million (Tuberville)
Natural Gas Expansion and Meter Station: $4.8 million (Tuberville)
Test Area 7 Relocation: $5.4 million (Tuberville)

Senators secured $326 million in additional Alabama priorities:

$65 million for housing at Maxwell Air Force Base
$7 million for the F-35 Ops Building for the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery
$50 million for a substation power project at Redstone Arsenal
$57 million for Army Reserve Center in Birmingham
$147.975 million ground test facility infrastructure project in support of a Redstone Arsenal tenant.

The appropriations bill also directs $16 billion to veterans’ mental health programs, including $3 billion for suicide prevention outreach and treatment programs.

Among Tuberville’s provisions, the FY2024 NDAA would extend and enhance a program for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies, promote competition among suppliers for military construction projects, and encourage sourcing of critical minerals from within the United States.

Funding outlined is in addition to existing military spending. The NDAA sets the budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense (DOD) for each upcoming fiscal year – including both operations and maintenance expenses, as well as new investments, research, and development.

“Our freedom and our security depend upon the effectiveness and lethality of our military,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said. “Alabama is proud to play a major role in defending this nation, because we play a key role in defense production, and above all because of the brave Alabamians who wear the uniform.

“It is my honor to serve on this Committee and to help Alabama serve our national defense.”

The NDAA related funding bills move to the full Senate for consideration with more bills expected to advance in the coming weeks.

“I appreciate the partnership from our delegation, state and local leaders that helped us advocate for our state’s priorities and I look forward to continuing to fight to bring home our tax dollars to our communities,” Britt said.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270