WASHINGTON – A military construction bill now making its way through the Senate includes $10.4 million to help build a new chapel at the McChord air base, part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Chapel services and activities are currently conducted in three deteriorating, World War II-era buildings that are so close to the McChord flight path that parishioners face 65-decibel noise levels and airfield odors.
“Our service members deserve better than dilapidated, outdated facilities,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who secured the funding. Murray is a member of the Senate military construction appropriations subcommittee.
The subcommittee on Wednesday approved a military construction funding bill that will provide nearly $315 million for bases in Washington state. Roughly two-thirds of the money is directed to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. That includes $180.6 million for Army facilities, mostly so the base can handle additional Stryker units. The Air Force portion of the base would receive the money for a new chapel and the Yakima firing range would receive $17.5 million.
The House military construction subcommittee also approved its version of the funding bill Wednesday and it includes nearly $310 million for the state’s bases.
The big ticket items include $87 million for a new Army barracks and barracks complex, $63 million for an Army logistics support complex and $8.4 million for a preventive medical facility at Lewis-McChord.
– The News Tribune
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