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March 30, 2009 · Members of San Antonio’s congressional delegation have announced that a huge chunk of federal stimulus money will go toward construction projects on surrounding military bases. Officials gathered at the Bexar County Courthouse late Friday afternoon to unveil the plan.
Lackland Air Force Base will receive 7 million dollars while Kelly Field Annex will receive nearly 3 million. Randolph Air Force will receive about 19 million dollars for various projects. Air Force Colonel Jacqueline Ovost says Randolph is in need of improvements.
“Randolph Air Force Base is a beautiful facility – but it’s 79 years old – and in desperate need of some infrastructure – some roads – some roofs. So this money is going to go a long way – again it’s about 19 million dollars and about 20 projects – that essentially will be jump-started by using this money,” said Ovost.
The money was approved as part of President Obama’s stimulus plan passed by Congress in February. San Antonio Democrat Charlie Gonzalez voted for the bill in the House. He says the plan is not only designed to improve local bases, but also accelerate the local economy.
“What we are hoping – and what President Obama was hoping – is that those businesses – many of them small – will be able to got to that bank – express to the bank that they have a contract – with Randolph – with Kelly – with Lackland – that small business person is going to be able to access credit. It’s access to capital because that lending institution will feel confident that the money will be there and will be repaid,” said Gonzalez.
Democratic Congressman Ciro Rodriguez also pointed out that Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio will receive nearly six million. The stimulus money will not be used for any construction related to the Base Realignment or BRAC projects.
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