Military projects under Reid's watch

WASHINGTON - Sen. Harry Reid's efforts to safeguard more than $22 million in military projects continues this week.

Reid said that the $7 million in funding to purchase an Eagle Vision system for the Nevada Air National Guard is necessary to keep the state's military readiness in check.

The funding is part of the Defense Appropriation Bill in Congress this last week.

"As we hav eseen time and again, the Nevada National Guard plays a crucial role in reponsiding to natural disasters," he said.

The committee is also working to keep $12.3 million in research and development funding for Reno-based Sierra Nevada Corporation.

The Hawthorne Army Depot in Mineral County will also receive $3 million dollars in funding for the creation of the nation's first hot gas decontamination facility.

"The hot gas decontamination facility in Hawthorne is designed to remove explosive residue from weapons and other military equipment," Reid said. "This is the first facility of its kind in the United States and its present an exciting new opportunity for the depot and the surrounding community."

The committee report also includes $1.3 billion in research and development funding fo rth F-22 fighter jet, but Reid says no money was allocated for construction of any aircraft.