by Jess Levenson, USACE New England District
President Barack Obama approved legislation to improve infrastructure across America and strengthen the nation’s economy by signing the, Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act into law on Dec. 20. The Congress-authorized measure also sanctions the relocation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New England District headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts.
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act addresses federal dam maintenance backlogs, approves water settlement agreements benefitting taxpayers and Native Americans, and develops drinking water infrastructure, storage, and delivery. The bill also authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ recommendations for water resources infrastructure investment.
With the support of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, the District plans to renovate former Air Force Research Laboratory buildings on Hanscom to be used as headquarters, with the long-term goal of saving government funding to taxpayers throughout New England.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas worked with the New England District to identify the steps needed to authorize the relocation. To ensure language authorizing the relocation was included in the final bill, she collaborated with leaders on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as Congress members Seth Moulton and Katherine Clark. Senator Ed Markey secured authorization for the relocation in the Senate version of the bill.
Congresswoman Tsongas said the move provides the District “modernized workspace, bringing about long-term cost savings and further solidifying Hanscom Air Force Base as a critically important facility for our military.”
Congresswoman Clark praised Hanscom, saying the Air Force Base is “a national example of the Commonwealth’s strength as a center for innovation and cutting edge technologies.”
Congressman Moulton added, “I’m proud that the Army Corps of Engineers is moving its headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base. This decision will save taxpayer dollars and sustain jobs for our constituents. It’s another example of how Massachusetts is a leader in national defense.”
Renovation and maintenance of the facility at Hanscom Air Force Base will be funded by existing funding already included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ budget.
“This is a win all around,” concluded Congresswoman Tsongas. “I look forward to seeing some far-reaching benefits take hold.”
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2018 13:52 |
| Story ID: | 264916 |
| Location: | CONCORD, MA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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