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Defense bill will benefit Fort Drum if passed
OK'D BY HOUSE PANEL: Two new barracks proposed in legislation
By MARC HELLER
TIMES WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008

WASHINGTON — A defense bill that passed the House Armed Services Committee last week would deliver tens of millions of dollars to Fort Drum and defense-related work in Northern New York.

Fort Drum would see two new barracks complexes for a total of $53 million, unit maintenance facilities for $37 million, an Army National Guard maneuver training site for $11 million and a new fire station for $7.2 million.

Other than the Army installation, big winners include Clarkson University, the Trudeau Institute and the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, which connects local hospitals to Fort Drum.

The projects are part of an annual defense programs bill that passed the committee and awaits action by the full House. The Senate will consider another version.

Clarkson was targeted for a $2 million study of photovoltaic systems for use in military communications. The university is a frequent recipient of defense research projects, thanks in part to advocacy by Rep. John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, who sought the funding.

The Trudeau Institute, in Saranac Lake, would receive $2 million for the U.S. Navy Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Program.

The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization would receive $800,000. The organization is setting an example, as well, as the committee recommended making permanent the pilot program that has funded it. Citing success at Fort Drum, the committee said such efforts should be duplicated elsewhere.

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