Jamaica Armory could possibly have $91 million directed towards its National Guard Readiness Center in 2020: Schumer, Gillibrand, Meeks
U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica) have announced on Friday that they expect massive funding geared towards the expansion and renovation of a National Guard center in Jamaica.
If the final National Defense Bill is authorized next week the facility, which was built in 1936, according to the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs, could expect upgrades to its infrastructure that would modernize it for the 21st century.
Approximately $91 million in funding could go towards the restoration of the facility for training purposes, logistical needs, administrative essentials and an addition to the readiness center, which is located at 93-05 168 St, according to Schumer’s office.
The current facility is 140,000-square-feet and if the project is approved, the Jamaica Readiness Center could expect an additional 41,000-square-feet that would go towards helping the National Guard’s response capabilities, according to Schumer’s office.
“The readiness center, along with the repairs and improvements of the existing space, has been a much sought after upgrades for the National Guard, and will be instrumental in their continued operations here in my district,” said Meeks.
Mechanical systems need to be replaced, environmental and safety hazards need to be eliminated, the facility needs a new roofing system, an emergency generator and upgrades to its communication, sewer, water, electric and gas utilities, according to Schumer’s office.
“This huge federal investment will completely revamp and modernize the Jamaica Armory and serve as a boon and anchor to the Queens community, the National Guard and all of New York City,” said Schumer. “The readiness of our nation’s military is built, in part, on adequate facilities that support troops.”
The New York National Guard hopes the bill passes.
“To the National Guard, the upgrade of the facility is necessary,” said a National Guard spokesman. “Like a lot of buildings in New York, the facility is aging and we need to meet the 21st century standards of the Army with the office space, storage space and IT.”
Gillibrand was proud to help in the fight for the funds for the facility.
“The funding will be used to support unit training, mobilization, emergency response, and logistics at Jamaica Armory’s Readiness Center,” said Gillibrand, a ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Committee. “The Jamaica Armory is essential to our country’s national defense, the Army’s mission, and the New York community.”
