Military projects planned

A military construction and veterans bill passed by the Senate this week contains $26 million for construction projects in Nevada, including funding for a National Guard fire station in Reno and a physical training facility at Fallon Naval Air Station.

Describing the annual funding measure as "always good for Nevada," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Wednesday that the bill provides for construction jobs in the state that will be put out for bid.

The measure, known as the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, was passed Tuesday by the Senate on a unanimous vote. The House is expected to act on it before Dec. 18.

In a telephone interview, Reid defended spending $10.8 million for a new, 17,575-square-foot National Guard fire station at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The cost per square foot comes to more than $600, whereas a typical home or business building costs about $100 per square foot.

"It's a fire station. That's how much they cost," he said. "You can't compare a house or hotel to a fire station."

About 10 percent of the total cost includes the fire station's design.

The Navy's Warrior Physical Training Facility in Fallon will cost $11.45 million. The 23,713-square-foot facility includes an indoor fitness area, basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, a martial arts room and locker rooms.

"They've needed this for quite some time," Reid said.

The bill also provides $2 million for construction of renewable energy projects for the Nevada Army National Guard and $2 million for new unit administration areas at the Clark County Armory.

Contact reporter Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308.