Sen. Wicker: Military projects strengthen state's economy, create 'peace through strength'
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Sen. Roger Wicker said Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center could get a financial boost if provisions included in the Senate's projected $832 billion defense spending bill survive.
The Senate approved in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act approximately $5.5 million for additions to Camp Shelby's training areas and another $2.2 million for a railhead expansion at Shelby.
"It's a plus for the economy and it's a plus for workers and builders, but it's also another step toward making sure the men and women who put on the uniform and train at Camp Shelby have the very, very best," Wicker said.
Camp Shelby was established as a training center in 1917 to support the United States' involvement in World War I. It encompasses 134,000 acres in Forrest, Perry and Greene counties.
The House bill, which does not include support for Camp Shelby, sets a budget of approximately $826 billion in defense spending — more than $285 million over President Joe Biden's requested amount, according to a report by the House Appropriations Committee.
Wicker, a ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said now is not the time to cut defense spending.
"Economic development requires a strong defense," the state's senior senator told members of the Area Development Partnership during a luncheon Friday in Hattiesburg. "It's a dangerous world. I believe that peace through strength is good for economic development in Mississippi."
Wicker praised the efforts of Hattiesburg and the surrounding area for its continued progress in economic development. He also recognized the University of Southern Mississippi for its productive research programs and the university's $700 million economic impact.
"This Pine Belt area, and particularly the counties covered by the ADP, are just one of the great success stories in the state of Mississippi," he said. "We've got a great economic engine here."
The Area Department Partnership is the economic development agency for Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.
Other military facilities in Mississippi to secure funding in the Senate's defense bill include:
The Army National Guard unit in Southaven, which has $22 million earmarked for a new readiness center.
Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, with $8 million to complete the 172nd Airlift Wing Fire and Crash Rescue Station.
$39.5 million for two training facility construction projects at Columbus Air Force Base.
And $80 million for family housing construction at Keesler Air Force Base.
The bill now goes to a conference committee to work on a final version to send to Biden.
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This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Wicker helps secure funds for Camp Shelby, praises Hattiesburg leaders
