Picatinny, Joint Base McGuire to Receive New Construction Funding

Statement

New Jersey's largest military bases will receive new construction funding under legislation expected to be approved tomorrow by the House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) announced today. Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill for FY '19 includes $41 million to build a "Munitions Disassembly Complex" at Picatinny Arsenal and $10.2 million to replace a "Hot Cargo Hydrant System" at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL).

"The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has become the weapon of choice for terrorists and certain nations bent on conducting hybrid warfare, so we have a lot to learn," said Frelinghuysen. "The new complex at Picatinny will support research and development for IEDs and will also include a munitions disassembly facility, a robotics experimentation capability, a render-safe area, and storage magazines. This new complex will advance our understanding of this threat while keeping Picatinny's staff safe."

The FY 2019 Military Construction-VA bill also provides $10.2 million for replacement of a "hot cargo hydrant system" at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL). JBMDL is current preparing for the arrival of the Air Force's new KC-46 tanker. The FY '18 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law by the President in March, provided $157 million for a new hanger and training facility at the base.

"The new military construction funding for both the New Jersey's Joint Base and Picatinny is an endorsement of these installations' current and future military value. Ensuring that the proper resources are available to conduct successful missions from New Jersey is vital," Frelinghuysen said.

Source