Bill to provide $6M for center
If the Senate passes what committees in both houses of Congress have already approved, the National Infantry Foundation will be $6 million closer to its goal for the construction of the new Soldier Center at Patriot Park.
"It would be a pretty good Veterans Day gift," said the foundation's director of communications Cyndy Cerbin.
The money is part of the 2008 Defense Appropriations bill, expected to pass through the Senate and gain President Bush's signature.
The money would boost the foundation's fundraising efforts to $76 million, $10 million short of the goal of $86 million.
Word on the conference committee action came from Rep. Sanford Bishop, an active supporter of the project.
"On behalf of all those who support the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, I would like to thank Congressman Bishop for assuming the leadership role in securing this money," said foundation president Jerry White. "Together with the $5 million provided through Congressman Bishop's work last year for the parade field component of the project, today's conference committee action represents a very powerful vote of confidence by Congress in support of this long overdue tribute to infantrymen."
Construction is well under way at the museum site off South Lumpkin Road, adjacent to Benning Boulevard on Fort Benning. The grand opening is scheduled for November, 2008.
Contact Mick Walsh at 706-571-8588
