Peters Secured $10 Million Through Role on Armed Services Committee to Construct New, Modernized Base Entrance
BATTLE CREEK, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new main gate and entrance facility at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base. Peters secured $10 million in federal funding for the project in the 2022 national defense bill through his role on the Armed Services Committee. The new, state-of-the-art gate and entry control facility, which has been relocated to a roadway experiencing less traffic, will enhance base security, improve traffic safety for the surrounding community, and enable a more efficient flow of vehicles in and out of the base. In 2023, Peters participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
“Battle Creek Air National Guard Base operates critical, specialized missions that are essential to combatting the emerging threats we face today,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I was proud to fight for the funding needed to construct this new, modernized gate and entrance facility, which will help ensure servicemembers can carry out their work both safely and efficiently.”
"The New Main Gate at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base is a win-win for the Michigan National Guard and the City of Battle Creek," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "Thanks to strong advocacy from Governor Whitmer, Senator Gary Peters and our congressional delegation, the gate is a testament to the powerful partnership between local, state and federal leaders and their unwavering support for the Michigan National Guard."
“The new main gate modernizes our security infrastructure, enhancing personnel safety and streamlining base access,” said Colonel James M. Rossi, Commander of the 110th Wing. “The Battle Creek community's support made this new main gate possible. It's an investment in our mission and personnel safety, ensuring we continue to serve our nation while remaining a strong and valued partner within the Battle Creek community.”
To download a photo from the event, click here.
As a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Armed Services Committee, supporting Michigan’s servicemembers and military facilities has been among Peters’ top priorities in the Senate. In addition to securing the $10 million needed to construct the new gate and entrance facility, Peters secured an additional $49 million in funding to support construction of a new, state-of-the-art training facility at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base for Marine Corps reservists as well as a new vehicle maintenance facility that will help extend the life of the vehicles they house. This funding will help ensure the Marine Corps maintains presence at Battle Creek for decades to come. In the national defense bill signed into law in 2023, Peters secured an additional $24 million for new supply and storage facilities for the Marine Corps Reserve Unit at Battle Creek.
Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, which has been in the Battle Creek community since 1947, is the home station for nearly 1,000 Airmen. The base supports a diverse portfolio of missions, including an elite cyber defense squadron, MQ-9 “Reaper” drone flying operation, and Command and Control support for U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa. This project will not only make needed upgrades to critical infrastructure but also help to bolster the base’s future and economic growth in the local community.
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