Finish line is in sight for Barksdale’s new gate

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced today that the Senate sent President Trump a package of appropriations bills that finally puts Louisiana in line to finish the entrance road and gate complex at Barksdale Air Force Base and construct a new alert facility at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse.

“The finish line is in sight for adding a new gate at Barksdale.  At times, it’s seemed like a 500-mile race to get it done.  Not only do military families need a new gate for convenience, but the importance of the missions at Barksdale make it necessary,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “From Bossier City to Belle Chasse, Louisiana’s military bases are critical to the defense of our entire nation, and we’re investing in them.”

 

The Fiscal Year 2019 funding bills for energy and water, military construction and the VA and the legislative branch include $147 billion for construction projects on military bases, the improvement of veterans’ health care and the reduction of flood damage, among other critical priorities. 

Other notable inclusions that Sen. Kennedy helped secure are:

• An increased focus on reducing wait times at veterans’ clinics and facilities.  In Louisiana, wait times at VA clinics are as high as 45 days.
• $4 million to continue the U.S.-Israel Center of Excellence in Engineering and Water Technology.

 

###