Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that $15.2 million is allocated for infrastructure expansion at MacDill Air Force Base, a construction initiative that will create and maintain jobs in the Tampa Bay area. The money is designated in the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction/ VA Appropriations bill, which the House of Representatives is expected to vote on today.

MacDill Air Force Base is one of the most significant economic engines and employers in the Tampa Bay region.  MacDill’s economic impact is nearly $3 billion annually, and thousands of reservist, active duty military and civilian workers are assigned to the base. The Special Operations Forces Acquisition Center is being built for U.S. Special Operations Command, which is headquartered at MacDill. The money will be used toward the second phase of construction.

“Investing in infrastructure means creating and sustaining local construction jobs,” Castor said. “At the same time, we are ensuring that America’s Special Operations forces have the tools, resources and facilities they need to operate at the highest level and protect our nation.”

The Military Construction/ VA Appropriations Bill also funds the Veterans Administration to provide quality medical care and benefits to veterans.

“Directing resources to the VA will help improve the quality of life for veterans and families throughout the nation and particularly at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. Haley is the busiest of the polytrauma facilities in the nation,” Castor said. “Our veterans served our country with pride and dignity and now deserve the very best medical care.”

Castor is serving a second term on the House Armed Services Committee, a position she sought so she could focus on providing troops, their families and veterans with the resources they need.