Rod Grams: “I am pleased that two important Minnesota projects are being funded in this bill, Phase II of Camp Ripley's Combined…”

“I am pleased that two important Minnesota projects are being funded in this bill, Phase II of Camp Ripley's Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) and a new Army National Guard Training and Community Center (TACC) in Mankato. Both of these projects were included in the Department of Defense Future Years Defense Program. They are recognized as being good for the Nation, as well as good for Minnesota. First, in regard to Camp Ripley, the existing CSMS was constructed in 1949 and has been expanded to three additional warehouse-type facilities. All four facilities are undersized and fail to comply with modern construction criteria. The configuration and site restrictions of the current facilities make it difficult for the personnel to produce the quality and volume of work expected at Camp Ripley. Without the completion of Phase II, the Minnesota Army National Guard's equipment readiness will be degraded and the costs of operating multiple facilities will overwhelm Camp Ripley's operating budget. Funding Phase II of the CSMA at a level of $10,368,000 will allow this project to be completed.”