Johanns Applauds New STRATCOM Headquarters Construction Contract

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today issued the following statement after the Air Force awarded a $525 million construction contract to build a new headquarters for the United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM), housed at Offutt Air Force Base outside of Omaha.

"I am pleased to see this much-needed project moving forward," Johanns said. "Helping our military meet the challenges of this century is vital to our nation's security, especially in this age of enhanced nuclear, biological, chemical and cyber threats. This new facility will ensure STRATCOM is equipped to successfully carry out its mission. This is a significant step and I will continue working to ensure future steps are not met with unnecessary delays."

The Air Force has estimated that the new headquarters could also provide more than 400 new local jobs during the construction phase.

STRATCOM's antiquated existing headquarters was built in 1957. A new facility is required to keep up with technological advances. Congress has already authorized STRATCOM's new headquarters and approved funding to begin construction in its Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. The Department of Defense will request incremental funding for the project from Congress.

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