Funds set aside for Cannon construction

A bill working its way through the U.S. Senate includes $13.2 million earmarked for a project at Cannon Air Force Base, according to a press release from Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M. The sum will remain in the bill despite the fact Cannon has been targeted for closure by the Pentagon.

Domenici recommended the $13.2 million appropriation in April to replace a fuel storage and loading facility at the base to safely unload commercial fuel delivery trucks, the release said.

Domenici is a member of the Senate appropriations committee that will consider the military construction spending bill Thursday.

“The appropriations committee is not prejudging what (Base Realignment and Closure) might mean for Cannon or other bases on the list for closure or realignment,” Domenici said. “By approving this funding, the base will have the resources to continue upgrades should we be successful in keeping the base alive.”

Overall, the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill provides more than $10.2 billion for military construction projects around the nation, including $4.13 billion for family housing construction and improvements.

If the bill passes the appropriations committee it will be considered by the full Senate, the release said.