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Guard says armory repairs and construction projects blocked by Buy America rules and low personnel levels
Summary
The Adjutant General told the committee Vermont has aging armories and some military construction projects paused because of Buy America/Build America rules and waiver delays; he proposed consolidating facilities into larger readiness centers but said personnel shortfalls limit the state's ability to qualify for construction funding.
Major General Knight told the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee that Vermont’s armories are old, that construction projects are on hold because of federal sourcing rules, and that low personnel strength complicates the state’s ability to secure and spend military construction funds.
Nut Graf
Knight said many armories are "55, 60 years old" and described a plan to consolidate into four larger readiness centers if personnel levels and funding permit. He said federal requirements under the Buy America/Build America Act and the Made in America process have left about $31 million in projects on hold while waivers are sought for necessary equipment.
Body
Knight described the mismatch between facilities and force size: he said the Guard is maintaining 18 aging armories across the state, but that modern consolidation would improve readiness and access to major highways. "I can't maintain them. Money doesn't come for them," he said.
He said military construction projects are delayed in part because of Buy America/Build America Act requirements, which require American‑sourced components for federally funded infrastructure. Knight told legislators that some specialized parts — for example, a fuse panel needed to repair a Westminster armory boiler — are not available domestically, slowing repairs.
Knight gave a rough budget snapshot: he said about $217 million is identified for operations and maintenance with roughly $152 million of that paying allowances into Vermont; he also said about $31 million of military construction funding was on hold awaiting waivers. He warned that personnel shortfalls reduce the state's ability to start new construction projects because a minimum percentage strength is needed before a shovel can hit the ground.
Ending
Knight asked lawmakers to consider the personnel and procurement constraints together, arguing that filling vacancies would not only restore capability but also unlock federal construction funding and economic activity tied to military projects.
