IDAHO MILITARY VITAL TO SECURITY

Washington, DC â??Idaho military personnel can look forward to new and improved facilities with the passage of military construction projects in the Senate Appropriations Committee backed by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. "This measure strengthens the commitment to improving housing, supplies, and medical needs at Mountain Home Air Force Base and Gowen Field in Boise," Senator Crapo said. "These bases will receive much-needed supply improvements in their efforts to protect our nation and fight terrorism. This funding shows our commitment to Idaho's military, which is the best in the nation, and moves us significantly toward matching our infrastructure closer to the expertise of our troops and airmen." Other Idaho projects included in the bill are: $8.4 million to build permanent loading and unloading stations for military vehicles from railcars at Gowen Field. $9.8 million to house airfield operations and weather functions for mission support on the Mountain Home Air Force Base $56.4 million for military family housing facilities The measure also includes $70.7 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including funding for healthcare and other benefits for our nationâ??s veterans. $1.5 billion in emergency funds to address shortfalls for the current year were approved by the Senate earlier this month. The bill will now go to the full Senate for further consideration. ###