Hutchison gives Significant Boost to the Local Economy" that will Open Up So Many Job Opportunities"
WASHINGTON D.C. In what officials touted as a significant boost to the local economy U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and an entourage of leaders including Mayor Norm Archibald and state Rep. Susan King broke ground this morning on $52 million of work at Dyess Air Force Base. Scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011 the upcoming construction includes a 57000-square-feet multipurpose C-130J Maintenance Hangar and a 98408-square-foot new combined Armed Forces Reserve Center.
According to Hutchison the work is the result of her serving as a ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction and continued strong support for the base from Abilenians and Key City leaders.
Texas is a military state. We love our military" said Hutchison who took time to reflect on the recent tragedy in Fort Hood where a lone shooter opened fire on base and killed 13.
While the hangar when opened will provide general aircraft and fuel systems maintenance for C-130J and B-1 bomber aircraft the new AFRC will accommodate Army Reservists from the Grimes U.S. Army Reserve Center in Abilene the Texas Army National Guard Field
Maintenance Shop in Abilene and Texas Army National Guard units from the Abilene Coleman and Snyder readiness centers.
Monday marked one more step" Hutchison said in supporting military operations in the Lone Star State.
Im so proud of the community and team effort that is made" Hutchison said saying
Dyess Air Force Base has received $300 million in projects since she became a member of the military construction subcommittee.
The improvement efforts at Dyess among other things have included construction of a dining hall child development center physical fitness center and barracks Hutchison said.
Involved in a battle for the Republican nomination for governor against incumbent Rick Perry Hutchison praised Archibald King members of the
Abilene Chamber of Commerces Military Affairs Committee and other city leaders for all they have been done to accommodate Dyess and ensure it remains open.
The combined efforts have kept Dyess viable growing and safe from the Base Realignment and Closure efforts that have plagued other areas Hutchison said.
Im thinking about jobs and what this means for our community" said Archibald adding much work is ongoing within Abilenes boundaries and that the two Dyess projects are among the largest.
Construction here will open up so many job opportunities around this community" Hutchison echoed during a private media briefing after 7th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Robert Gass kicked off the event.
King who introduced Hutchison called it a great groundbreaking day for Dyess" at a time when the base is so so important."
