big defense authorization legislation contains substantial funding for new mexico air force facility projects

Two federal air force bases in New Mexico are in line to receive a combined $35.5 million for the construction of two separate and long-anticipated facility projects.

Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque could be getting around $15.5 million in federal funds to build a combat rescue helicopter simulator facility. 

At the same time, the Holloman Air Force Base, just outside of Alamogordo, will get $20 million from Washington for the construction of a climate-controlled storage and shipment facility.

Both projects are folded into the National Defense Authorization Act for 2020, which has just overwhelmingly passed the Senate on an 86 to 8 vote.
The bill is now on its way to the full House.

Kirtland is also slated to receive just over $26 million for a space test program, as well as $13.1 million for the Rocket Systems Launch program.

Another $18.8 million will go for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office at Kirtland.

In a statement regarding the Senate passage of the NDAA bill, New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich said the legislation will help ensure “our Armed Forces are equipped with the most modern technology so we can stay ahead of our adversaries.”

The total NDAA legislation carries a price tag of $733 billion, providing funding for a wide range of military projects across the country for the 2020 fiscal year, which begins on October 1 of this year.

Earlier versions of the NDAA in previous years have passed in both the House and Senate by overwhelming margins.

The latest NDAA legislation also provides money for troop pay raises. In addition, according to Air Force Magazine, the legislation “looks to modernize military technology by investing in artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and cyber warfighting capabilities.”

By Garry Boulard

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