WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act containing two projects for Kansas.

"I was pleased to work with Senator Brownback to secure these two important investments for Kansas military installations. Improvements to the Estes Road Entrance will benefit and protect those who live and work at Ft. Riley," Senator Roberts said. "I am also pleased we could modernize the Kansas Army National Guard’s facilities in Salina."

Senator Roberts worked with U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) to secure funding for the following projects:

The funds will upgrade the Estes Road gate onto Fort Riley to the new Army standard for Access Control Points. The significant growth at Fort Riley requires the upgrade from a limited use to a primary use gate. Once upgraded, Estes Road will be one of the primary access points to Custer Hill, the major troop concentration area on Fort Riley.

This project will refurbish 55 year old taxiways with flexible pavement and replace the existing worn ramp area with new concrete. The alteration will enhance peacetime maintenance support operations, decrease wear and tear upon aircraft, and enhance the overall effectiveness and readiness of assigned units. The facility currently houses Company B, 1-108th Aviation of the Kansas Army National Guard.

The bill now goes to the President to be signed into law.

Senator Roberts, a former Marine, is an outspoken advocate for Kansas military installations, men and women in uniform and their families.

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