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Hoyer Delivers $80 Million for new Facility in Defense Authorization Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 20, 2004
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2005 Defense Authorization bill today that provides $80 million for a new facility to house the Marine Corps' Presidential Helicopter Replacement Program expected to be based at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The bill also directs the U.S. Navy to expedite a land transfer of 5 acres to the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
"With the recent acquisition of the Global Hawk UAV Program and as the expected new home of the VXX Presidential Helicopter Program, Pax River clearly demonstrates the advanced technological expertise and invaluable capabilities found at the base," said Congressman Hoyer.
"As the U.S. Navy's principal installation for research, development, testing, and evaluation, it is no wonder that Pax River is the prime location for the Navy's newest and most advanced technologies. I am proud to have helped secure $80 million in the Defense bill for a new state-of-the-art facility for the Marine Corps VXX program, which I am confident will soon be located at Pax. I especially congratulate the talented men and women at Pax River. Each new program that comes to Pax is a testament to their first rate work and illustrates the important role they play in securing our nation and the world," Hoyer added.
"Additionally, last year, I helped secure $3.9 million to relocate the Theodolite Tracking System at Naval Air Station Patuxent River from a fragile piece of land that has been plagued by erosion and is subject to harsh weather to a safer, more secure location. This relocation is an important step in transferring the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse to the State of Maryland so that it can become part of the State Park and eventually be opened again to the public. I am pleased that the bill passed contains the language necessary for the Navy to execute this land transfer so this historic Lighthouse may be re-opened for public access," Hoyer concluded.
The funding that is expected to benefit Pax River included in the Department of Defense fiscal year 2005 Authorization bill passed today is listed below:
VXX Presidential Helicopter Program Support Facility, $80 Million
The Marine Helicopter Squadron is the only organization responsible for transporting the President and Vice President of the United States, foreign heads of state, and other White House officials. This aircraft travels worldwide and operates in varying environmental conditions. It must have the capabilities to ensure that the President can do his job no matter what the circumstances.
Currently only two types of helicopters are utilized by the Squadron to transport the President. These helicopters are not able to incorporate all of the latest technology and the need for improved capabilities has grown beyond the current fleet's structural and performance growth ability.
The Replacement Helicopter Program, currently referred to as VXX, will be a conventional helicopter designed to meet current threat requirements, as well as other yet unseen challenges, to provide the President of the United States with robust and efficient transportation.
The $80 million included in the Defense Authorization bill will be used to construct new facilities to support this program. While the VXX Helicopter Program is still in the procurement stage, Congressman Hoyer fully anticipates that the program will utilize the capabilities at Pax River.
Relocate Range Theodolite Tracking Station P-987
The Theodolite tracking equipment is a critical asset to the Atlantic Test Range at Pax River, a world class tracking range used heavily for the purpose of tracking high performance aircraft being tested over the Chesapeake Bay by Pax River. Last year, at Congressman Hoyer's request, $3.9 million was included in the Military Construction Appropriations bill to move the Theodolite Tracking System at Naval Air Station Patuxent River from a fragile piece of land that has been plagued by erosion and is subject to harsh weather. Congressman Hoyer requested that the Defense Authorization bill passed today reflect the importance of the relocation of this facility and authorize the Navy to conduct the necessary land transfer. The following language was included in the bill at Congressman Hoyer's request:
"The United States Navy shall transfer approximately 5 acres of land to the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This site, owned by the United States Navy and under the custody of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, encompasses four buildings and one archaeological site. These resources include the Point Lookout Lighthouse, a buoy and coal shed all within a fence, and a small smokehouse just outside the fence, as well as an archaeological site and all relevant archaeological collections pertaining to the Civil War era U.S. General Hospital, Point Lookout. In return, the Navy shall receive approximately 1.5 acres located north of the site for relocation of the range currently within the fence line."
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