Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that she has been able to steer $10.4 million in federal military construction funding back to Washington state to help build a new chapel for service members and their families at McChord Air Force Base. Currently, chapel activities are conducted in three deteriorated, substandard World War Two-era buildings so close to the McChord flight line that they are exposed to 65-decibel noise levels and airfield odors.

"Our service members deserve better than dilapidated, outdated facilities," said Senator Murray. "Especially at a time when the strain and uncertainty of separation is so trying, we need to give service members all the support we can. Second rate facilities won't cut it and we can't wait for bureaucrats in Washington D.C. to finally respond to the needs of service members in our own backyard. I'm proud to fight for a facility that will allow our men and women in uniform to access religious and social services in a setting worthy of their service."

"Spiritual fitness is one of the four pillars of a Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program and critical to the readiness of our Airmen," saidColonel Kevin J. Kilb Commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "These funds help dramatically increase the quality of the spiritual care we not only provide our Airmen, but also their families.  It will truly be a spiritual multiplier for our entire McChord community and we are most appreciative of the continued outstanding support."

The new McChord Chapel Center would enhance the quality of life for many on base by providing a materially improved facility located away from the flight line and closer to the base community center and dormitories.  The Center would provide worship and support services to service members and their families.

The funding, first announced today by Senator Murray, is now included in the Fiscal Year 2011 Military Construction Appropriations Bill. The funding was requested by base leadership and will fully fund construction of the Chapel Center. The funding was passed through the full Senate Military Construction Appropriations Committee today.