LANSING – State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) today announced that three of Michigan's Army National Guard bases will receive $7.85 million in special funding as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Residents and businesses across the state are having a tough time making ends meet right now," said LeBlanc, Chair of the House State Police and Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. "In this harsh economic climate it's important that we don't forget about our armed-forces needs. These funds will make much-needed repairs to our Army National Guard facilities and ensure that our troops are well prepared."
The three Army National Guard training and support centers that will share a total of $7.85 million to fund road improvements, facilities maintenance and operational costs are:
- Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta: $2.25 million to modernize water, sewer and electrical systems;
- Lansing Reserve Forces Support Center and Joint Forces Headquarters in Lansing: $1.8 million for energy efficiency improvements;
- Camp Grayling Military Training Center in Grayling: $3.8 million to modernize water, sewer, and electrical systems, improve energy efficiency, and make road improvements.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a federal economic recovery plan designed to create jobs and stimulate the nation's economy.
"It is imperative that Michigan continues to provide high-quality training and work facilities for our servicemen and women," LeBlanc said. "These additional funds will help improve and modernize our bases, which will reduce costs down the road. The funding also will ensure that our Michigan soldiers have an even better opportunity to become the best they can be."