William Helms: “this technical amendment is to fix an incorrect authorization level for construction of a mission essential Special…”

“this technical amendment is to fix an incorrect authorization level for construction of a mission essential Special Operations Forces Group Headquarters at Fort Bragg, NC. This project was authorized by the Senate Armed Services Committee at the original, incorrect estimate of $2,600,000. As background, the U.S. Special Operations Command--or USSOCOM, as it is called--requested in its fiscal year 1996 milcon budget a Group HQ originally estimated to cost $2,600,000. Based upon that erroneous estimate, the administration requested and the House Appropriations Committee appropriated that amount. The correct project estimate is $3,900,000. The cost increase is attributable to two key factors; a failure to account for the area cost factor for construction in the Fort Bragg area and the realization that special construction requirements are necessary. Equipped with the new, accurate estimate, the Senate Military Construction Subcommittee, approved $3,900,000 for the project. My amendment will fix the discrepancy between the Senate Military Construction Subcommittee's appropriation and the Senate Armed Services Committee's authorization.”