A historic $556 million federal funding bill for military construction projects across Georgia includes $166 million for a new evidence storage facility at Fort Gillem in Clayton County, just south of Atlanta.
Fort Gillem is a former U.S. Army Post that closed as an active base in 2011 but remains home to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Crime Lab on a 250-acre enclave in Forest Park. In addition, it serves as a logistics and law enforcement hub.
Georgia's two Democratic Senators, Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, supported efforts to write and pass the bipartisan funding bill.
In all, eight military installations in Georgia are set to receive the federal funding for a total of 11 different projects.
Ossoff, in his first year as the top Democrat on the Senate Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Appropriations subcommittee, worked to secure the federal monies for sites across the Peach State. It is the most funding for military construction and quality-of-life projects in Georgia since 2010.
The new evidence storage facility at Fort Gillem is the most expensive project and when completed, will enhance military law enforcement operations and strengthen the state's role in national defense, bring long-term economic benefits to local communities, improve military law enforcement operations, create jobs and stimulate development in the area.
"This is a transformational moment for Clayton County," said Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry, chair of the Clayton County board of commissioners, who noted that Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport also is located nearby. "The investment at Fort Gillem will bring jobs, infrastructure and renewed energy to our community. We are proud to partner with federal and local leaders to ensure our Clayton County, where the world lands and opportunities take off, continues to grow and thrive."
The Fort Gillem project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs in construction, logistics and support services. The new facility will expand its capabilities and reinforce its position as a key asset in Georgia's defense infrastructure.
New Bill Funds Variety of Military Projects Across Ga.
After the Senate passed the military construction appropriations bill over the summer, it was later passed by the full House and signed into law on Nov. 12.
Following is a list of the Georgia military installations and projects (besides Fort Gillem) that will receive the federal funding and the total amounts, in descending order, that they are due to receive:
• Fort Benning in Columbus, $127.4 million for its Dexter Elementary School.
• Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in St. Marys, on the Atlantic Coast. Its $119 million will be used to expand the base's Trident Refit Facility for Columbia-class submarines.
• Fort Stewart Army Base near Hinesville, $45 million to complete work on several barracks.
• Robins Air Force Base in the city of Warner Robins, $28 million for a new control tower.
• Savannah/Hilton Head IAP, better known as the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, serves as both a commercial and military airfield. Federal money totaling $27 million was awarded to the airport for a new Dining Hall and Services training facility.
• Moody Air Force Base, near Valdosta, will use its $17.5 million from the appropriations bill to build an operation facility for the 23rd Security Forces Squadron.
• Savannah/Hilton Head IAP, $11.4 million for a C-130J Aircraft Corrosion Control Facility.
• Fort Stewart, $8 million for the design of an aircraft maintenance hangar.
• Moody Air Force Base, $3.7 million for the design of a new F-35A simulator.
• Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marieta, north of Atlanta, $3 million for the design of a new main gate.
Ossoff's bipartisan bill included a $30 million increase over the White House's request for oversight and maintenance of privatized military housing — providing $10 million for the Army, $10 million for the Navy and $10 million for the Air Force to work claims and conduct investigations and oversight of privatized housing conditions.
It also funds the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure veterans can receive the benefits they have earned.
