CT Guard nears $41M for aviation center

The Connecticut Army National Guard is a step closer to collecting $41 million to build its state-of-the-art Aviation Transformation Readiness Center at Bradley International Airport, Congressman John Larsen says.

Larson, D-1^st District, said the U.S. House voted to approve funding for the new 110,000-square-foot facility in Windsor Locks that will house elements of the Guard's aviation units, including up to 289 soldiers and pilots.

The measure now awaits Senate approval.

If funds are approved, construction could begin in 2011, with occupancy in 2013, authorities say.

Both Guard aviation, training and support facilities are housed apart at Camp Hartell in Windsor Locks and the Enfield Armory, more than five miles away, authorities said.

Currently, the Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, the aviation assets consist of UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and twin-engine C-12s, the military version of the Beech Super King Air 200.