Washington, D.C.--A request by Sixth District Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) to authorize $6.7 million in the FY98 Defense Authorization Bill for Vance Air Force Base's new engineering complex was approved by the House Subcommittee on Military Installations and Facilities in an amending process of the bill today. Congressman J.C. Watts (OK-4), a member of the subcommittee, was instrumental in procuring the funding in the bill.

"I am extremely pleased that the people evaluating our request deemed it meritorious," Lucas said. "This is certainly proof of the faith those in Washington have that we have one of the most efficient and well-run military bases in the Air Force.

"I am grateful to Congressman Watts for his leadership in the subcommittee," Lucas continued. "This authorization will help to ensure Vance's viability today and in the future.

"With the recent agreement adding a tract of land near the base, and now the authorization of $6.7 million, we are heading in the right direction," Lucas continued. "You can bet the House Appropriations Committee is going to know my name by the time the Military Construction Appropriations Bill reaches their table."

The existing base civil engineering functions are housed in 14 separate facilities. Eight of these facilities were constructed for use during the 1940's and 1950's, and are not economically upgradeable and extremely inadequate due to overcrowding, poor lighting, insulation and mechanical systems and are poorly configured.