Zeldin Announces More Than $15 Million in Federal Funding for Westhampton Base Training Facility
The United States Army has awarded a contract in excess of $15 million for the construction of a security forces and communications training facility at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton, Congressman Lee Zeldin announced on Wednesday.
The new 28,200-square-foot facility will be completed by April 1, 2022, according to the Department of Defense. The Army award the $15,478,911 contract to Kallidus Technologies, based in Lowell, Massachusetts, on Sept. 8.
According to Zeldin, an Army veteran who serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, the current facility is more than 60 years old and houses four 106th Rescue Wing units; the Logistics Readiness Squadron, the Civil Engineer Squadron, the Security Forces Squadron and Communications Flight. When the new facility is completed, the Security Forces Squadron and Communications Flight units will move into the new building. Separate new facilities for the other squadrons are being designed.
“Gabreski Air National Guard Base’s 106th Rescue Wing plays a critical role in protecting our national security at home and abroad and is a vital component of New York’s emergency response capabilities,” Zeldin said in a statement. “This continued federal investment in its facilities, resources and training will ensure its service members can continue to selflessly protect and serve our community and nation for decades to come.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robert S. Siebelts, Commander of the 106th Civil Engineer Squadron, said, the project will “greatly enhance” the 106th Rescue Wing’s abilities. “This new, state of the art facility will replace a current building that is over 60 years old and is in disrepair with no feasibility for renovation. Additionally, the location of the new facility will meet Department of Defense standoff and force protection requirements. Finally, this project will incorporate energy efficiency improvements, sustainability measures, and development concepts, all leading to achieving optimum resource use and constructibility,” he said in a statement.
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