Base Gagetown gets $38M in federal funding

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjanwas on hand at Base GagetownMondaytoannounce$38 million in federal fundingto establish a training facility for dealing with improvised explosive devices, as well as other upgrades on the military base.

Sajjan said that the detection of IEDs in warzones, like Afghanistan, is vital to the military personnel working in those areas.

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"These are the folks that went and dealt with the most horrific threat that was in front of our troops. This capability is just one aspect of it, it's the personnel that actually use it that makes the difference. To keep those skill sets and training is absolutely vital," said Sajjan.

Major David Marcotullio, who trains soldiersat CFB Gagetown, said that the new facility will make it easier to train students.

At the moment some aspects of the military's IED training takes place at the base's current facility.

But other parts of the training regime require troops to be taken to remote locations as much as 30 minutes away. The new facility will group all of the training areas in one place.

Marcotullio said that the cut in transportation time will let students spend more time in the classroom.

According to a National Defence press release thebulkof the funding announced Monday, up to $36 million, will go to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based contractor Maxim Construction to build the facilities.

Another $2.3 million is being set aside to improve infrastructure at the base. That money will be used to repair roads throughout the base that are washed out, andto upgrade the base's airfield and its facilities.

Sajjan said that the projects announced will benefit the whole community, not just the military.

"The major construction work that is soon to begin will create new jobs for residents, and will create growth opportunities for businesses throughout the Atlantic region," said Sajjan.

The minister said that all work should be completed by November of 2017.