Senate OKs $73M for projects at Newport Navy base

Published Nov. 18, 2009 at 6:03 p.m.

The Senate voted on Wednesday for a military construction appropriations bill that would provide $73.85 million next year for improvements at Naval Station Newport.

"This federal funding will allow the Navy to make critical renovations at Naval Station Newport," Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) said in statement announcing the unanimous vote. "This federal investment is vitally important to the continue presence and growth of Rhode Island's military facilities and defense industry, which plays an important role in our state's economy."

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act 2010 includes the following appropriations:

• $45.8 million for the construction of a new building to house Officer Training Command students and provide administrative space for command and support staff.
• $17.5 million to consolidate Army Reserve Centers in Bristol, Providence, and Warwick at one facility on the navy base.
• $10.55 million to renovate Tomich Hall, occupied by the Senior Enlisted Academy.

The bill must be reconciled with a House version and the final bill would then be sent to President Obama.

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