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Senator Burkhardt proposes $1 million base-retention amendment to support military communities
Summary
Senator Randy Burkhardt introduced a proposed amendment to add $1,000,000 for a base retention grant program to support military communities (Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo). He described how modernization of missile systems and bomber maintenance will bring thousands of workers and local impacts.
Senator Randy Burkhardt (District 5, Minot) presented a proposed amendment to the committee to fund a base-retention grant program with $1,000,000 in total. He said communities agreed to an allocation split of $600,000 for Minot Air Force Base retention efforts, $250,000 for Grand Forks Air Force Base and $150,000 for Fargo (National Guard/military community retention work).
Burkhardt framed the request around upcoming Department of Defense modernization work affecting Minot's missiles and bomber missions: he said Minot is one of three U.S. installations with long-range nuclear deterrent responsibilities (the hearing referenced replacement of missile systems and bomber engine modernization) and that the work will bring thousands of workers for installation and support. He asked the committee to consider funds for planning, advocacy and local mitigation so host communities can accommodate arriving contractors and workers and potentially retain some workforce.
Levi noted prior base-retention funding had been provided in a previous session (committee recorded a prior total of $1,350,000) and said the senator could include the amendment and staff could fold it into the committee amendment package for further consideration.
Ending: Chairman Wanzeck said the committee would accept the amendment for discussion but deferred final incorporation until the committee's full amendment package is drafted and the committee has time to review.
