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As Congress debates plans to formulate and implement an Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) to create jobs and turn around our economy, we suggest that National Guard military construction (MILCON) projects represent a ready-made solution to improve readiness and put people to work across our country.
Army and Air National Guard facilities are located in over 3000 communities, and historically have had a backlog of construction projects that are “shovel ready” but lacked funding due to constrained MILCON budgets (lists of these “shovel ready” projects are being coordinated with adjutants general in the states).
When completed, these construction projects will enhance the Guard’s ability to operate and train Soldiers and Airmen, which ultimately improves readiness for both combat operations and stateside homeland defense and disaster response.
To enable the National Guard to take advantage of possibly well over a billion dollars of military construction funds, leaders throughout the states are moving quickly. Additional provisions which must be addressed include; a waiver for the state’s 25% share of construct costs for Army National Guard (ARNG) facilities and providing flexibility in applying the funding necessary to purchase furniture and other equipment that will be used in these facilities.
NGAUS urges states to immediately contact their Senators and Representatives to garner their support for this initiative. The potential to make a significant and positive impact on readiness and job creation is before us and we must act fact.
TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION:
By using the “Write to Congress” feature provided below, you can IMMEDIATELY e-mail your elected representatives. A sample letter is included in our “Write to Congress” feature. You can e-mail the pre-written message or edit the sample letter as you desire. This is the quickest and most effective method of expressing your views to Congress. Also, contact your friends and family and urge them to “Write to Congress” as well. For more in-depth information and background visit our web site at http://www.ngaus.org/.
Please direct any questions concerning this issue to Pete Duffy, NGAUS Deputy Legislative Director and NGAUS Joint Programs Manager at 202-454-5307 or email: pete.duffy@ngaus.org. | 
