Date: 12/03/2009
Final
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
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01:46 PM -- Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Mr. Michael Hunt, Deputy Director, and Colonel Deborah Roberts, Construction and Facilities Management Officer, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, presented the department's FY 2010-11 capital requests and its five-year projection of capital need. Mr. Hunt first discussed its three capital requests, which involve the construction of three National Guard armories. Colonel Roberts discussed the changing terminology associated with armories, which are now called readiness centers. Discussion ensued regarding two armories for which funding has already been secured. Colonel Roberts responded to questions regarding the status of the Fort Lupton armory project. Mr. Hunt responded to questions regarding the source of cash funds that provide a match for federal funds for armory construction, including cash funds from the Veterans Trust Fund. Mr. Hunt responded to further questions regarding repayment of the Veterans Trust Fund moneys that will be committed to the armories, and the position of veterans groups on this use of fund moneys. Discussion followed regarding the potential for introducing a resolution before the General Assembly urging repayment of the fund moneys in the future. Colonel Roberts responded to questions regarding the type of soldiers that will comprise a new battalion assigned to the Colorado Army National Guard, and explained that the new battalion is a contributing factor in the need for new armory construction.
01:56 PM
Discussion continued regarding the make-up of the Army National Guard's new battalion. Colonel Roberts responded to questions regarding the federal initiative that is adding the new battalion, and the need for the new battalion. Discussion followed regarding maintenance of an existing veterans monument, and the source of maintenance funding for a proposed memorial to soldiers who have fallen in the War on Terror. Mr. Hunt responded to questions regarding the current use of moneys that accrue to the Veterans Trust Fund, and future revenue sources for the fund. Discussion ensued regarding veterans issues in the San Luis Valley. Mr. Hunt responded to questions regarding the siting of a proposed armory in the Windsor area. Discussion followed regarding National Guard coverage need in northeastern Colorado, and the potential for constructing an armory in the Sterling area.