Landrieu Comments On Senate Passing Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON – United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today welcomed Senate passage of the Defense Authorization Bill, which authorizes more than $147 million to Louisiana projects. The bill passed today by unanimous consent and now heads to the President to be signed into law.

“The projects included in the Defense Authorization Bill support our troops both in Louisiana and abroad by giving them the tools and resources they need to best defend our nation,” said Sen. Landrieu. “Thankfully, we were able to approve this measure before we head home for the holidays, the time of year when the sacrifice these brave men and women make to serve our country hits closest to home.”

Included in the $147 million for Louisiana projects is nearly $16.3 million for Navy reserve and Marine Corps reserve construction and land acquisition projects. Specifically, the funds will be used to facilitate the growth and expansion of Federal City New Orleans, a Department of Defense development on Algiers Point that will include the new national headquarters of the Marine Corps Reserve. The acquisition of land allows the Algiers Development District greater control over the growth of the community that will support the workforce brought to the area by Federal City New Orleans. Sen. Landrieu has supported this project since its beginning and her staff has met with members of the New Orleans Federal Alliance as well as representatives from the Navy and the Marines on multiple occasions to discuss the project’s progress.

“Federal City New Orleans is a cornerstone of Louisiana’s rebuilding efforts,” said Sen. Landrieu. “Not only will it bring community life and an economic boost to the area, but the development itself will serve as a nation-wide model for its collaborative planning, innovating construction and its environmental sensibility.”

Other Louisiana projects authorized in the bill include:

· $63.3 million for Army construction and land acquisition at Fort Polk

· $9.8 million for the Brigade Headquarters at Fort Polk

· $6.1 million for the child care facility at Fort Polk

· $18.1 million for Air Force construction and land acquisition at Barksdale Air Force Base

· $5.5 million for Army National Guard construction and land acquisition at Fort Polk

· $28 million for Army National Guard Construction and land acquisition at Minden

Filed Under: mary landrieu