Nov 19, 2009 By The 3 min read

The U.S. Senate approved $86 million for military construction projects throughout Pennsylvania, including $11.8 million to build an Army Reserve Center in Fayette County. U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, both D-Pa., announced Wednesday that the Senate unanimously approved federal funding for several projects throughout Pennsylvania.

The funding is contained in the Military Construction Appropriations Bill for the 2010 fiscal year and must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed by President Obama before funding is final.

According to both senators, $11.8 million has been allocated for an Army Reserve Center in Uniontown. Detailed information regarding the proposed center was not available Wednesday.

The appropriations bill also contains $12.4 million for an Air Reserve Base in Pittsburgh, which includes the demolition of two outdated visiting airmen quarters and the construction of a new three-story, 60-room visiting quarters building to support members of the 911th Airlift Wing stationed there.

The existing lodging facilities, built of wood in 1952, do not meet current space, fire protection or force protection standards and drain the maintenance budget by requiring excessive repairs.

In addition to the Army Reserve Center in Uniontown and the Air Reserve Base in Pittsburgh, the bill also includes funding for the following projects:

n $2.8 million to replace six family housing units at the Defense Distribution Depot in New Cumberland, Cumberland County.

n $15 million to construct an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Allentown, Lehigh County.

n $3.2 million for an electronics maintenance shop at the Tobyhanna Army Depot, Monroe County.

n $4 million to establish an Air Force enclave at Willow Grove, Montgomery County.

n $9.8 million to build an Army Reserve Center in Ashley, Luzerne County.

n $7.6 million to build an Army Reserve Center in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

n $20 million to build an Army Reserve Center in Newton Square, Delaware County.

Both senators said they were pleased to have secured the funding, noting that all the projects are important to national security and economic development.

“I am pleased that my colleagues have recognized the valuable contribution these projects will make to our nation’s defense. The construction and renovation of facilities that support our active and reserve military forces will strengthen our economy and honor the brave men and women who serve our country,” Specter said.

“These projects are vital to Pennsylvania’s economic development and the overall security of the United States,” Casey said. “I am pleased my colleagues have approved this important funding to improve Pennsylvania’s military projects and strengthen our nation’s defense.”