SR-167, As Adopted by Senate, July 16, 2014

            Senator Nofs offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 167.

            A resolution to urge the United States Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to select the Fort Custer Training Center in Battle Creek as the location for a new Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) ballistic missile defense mission.

            Whereas, The GBI is the key defense tool protecting our state and nation from ballistic missile attacks; and

            Whereas, The GBI is unmatched in its ability to locate and eliminate incoming warheads well outside the earth's atmosphere using missiles that do not include explosive components; and

            Whereas, The placement of the GBI system in Battle Creek will take full advantage of Fort Custer's tactical location and security; and

            Whereas, The selection of Battle Creek for the GBI mission will not impact other successful Air National Guard, Army Reserve, or National Guard Training Center missions or create a nuisance for neighboring citizens; and

            Whereas, Battle Creek's military history and tradition of embracing and supporting soldiers, veterans, and their families span nearly a century; and

            Whereas, The missions based at Fort Custer are integral to the economy of southwest Michigan, providing more than $22 million in total wages and salaries and $26 million in gross regional product to Calhoun County; and

            Whereas, The selection of Fort Custer for the GBI mission will include a $3.2 billion investment, along with 250 new jobs for Michigan. It will also leverage over $100 million in federal, state, and local investments that have been made over the last decade alone in order to make Battle Creek’s military bases some of the most up-to-date, technologically-advanced guard bases in the nation; and

            Whereas, The greater Battle Creek/Calhoun County region remains a staunch supporter and defender of Fort Custer and all of its military installations; now, therefore, be it   

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency to select the Fort Custer Training Center in Battle Creek for the expansion of the national missile defense system; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the director of the United States Missile Defense Agency, the United States Secretary of Defense, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.