States’ Support For The Military Increasingly Includes Paying For On-Base Construction
Defense Communities 360
January 22, 2015
One of the most surprising findings from ADC’s recent survey of state military affairs organizations was that 52 percent of the respondents have paid for on-base construction projects as a way to support the military at a time when funding for military construction and installation support is under tight constraints.
IIF 15 will feature several sessions about the innovative approaches states and communities have adopted in recent years to support local installations. One session will highlight examples included in State of Support: Highlights of State Support for Defense Installations, such as engaging community-based advocacy organizations, forming commanders councils, and conducting assessments of installations’ strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as investing in both off-base and on-base infrastructure.
In an effort to raise its military value, the state of Connecticut has spent $14 million since 2005 to support Naval Submarine Base New London through investments in its on-base infrastructure and training capabilities. The most recent state-funded project was a $3 million grant to develop a microgrid at the sub base to improve energy reliability and reduce energy use.
Earlier, the state invested $3 million in a natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel boiler at the installation. The steam and hot water boiler and a second one the Navy recently purchased are 40 percent more efficient than the boilers they replaced.
Another project funded by the state is a $3.5 million diver support facility. The dive locker, which replaced an existing facility that was almost 100 years old, includes a locker room, training room, equipment storage, and office and medical space.
Previously the state contributed to a new submarine bridge training simulator at New London. The Navy paid for the interactive simulator that will be used to train officers and submariners in navigation, but the state provided $2.5 million to build the facility housing the trainer.
The state also gave the Navy $740,000 to construct a training center for culinary specialists at the base. In 2007, the General Assembly set aside a total of $40 million for investments to enhance the base.
IIF 15 will feature several sessions about the innovative approaches states and communities have adopted in recent years to support local installations. One session will highlight examples included in State of Support: Highlights of State Support for Defense Installations, such as engaging community-based advocacy organizations, forming commanders councils, and conducting assessments of installations’ strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as investing in both off-base and on-base infrastructure.
In an effort to raise its military value, the state of Connecticut has spent $14 million since 2005 to support Naval Submarine Base New London through investments in its on-base infrastructure and training capabilities. The most recent state-funded project was a $3 million grant to develop a microgrid at the sub base to improve energy reliability and reduce energy use.
Earlier, the state invested $3 million in a natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel boiler at the installation. The steam and hot water boiler and a second one the Navy recently purchased are 40 percent more efficient than the boilers they replaced.
Another project funded by the state is a $3.5 million diver support facility. The dive locker, which replaced an existing facility that was almost 100 years old, includes a locker room, training room, equipment storage, and office and medical space.
Previously the state contributed to a new submarine bridge training simulator at New London. The Navy paid for the interactive simulator that will be used to train officers and submariners in navigation, but the state provided $2.5 million to build the facility housing the trainer.
The state also gave the Navy $740,000 to construct a training center for culinary specialists at the base. In 2007, the General Assembly set aside a total of $40 million for investments to enhance the base.