Rep. Anthony Weiner announced today that he has secured $4.8 million in federal funds through the 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill to refurbish and restore the Ryan Center into a world class visitor facility for Gateway National Park’s Jamaica Bay unit – which includes attractions such as bird watching, biking, golfing, boating, a multi-use sports & recreation facility and much more. Weiner has secured over $70 million worth of renovations at Gateway since 1998, work to protect and improve its wetlands, wildlife refuge, nature trails, historic sites, playgrounds, recreation areas and more.
Located at Floyd Bennett Field, the historic Ryan Center served as the passenger terminal to New York City’s first municipal airport. Built in 1931, it is the original building behind which Howard Hughes took off and landed after completing a round-the-world record flight in 1938. Floyd Bennett’s airfield was later used as an aerial hub for fighter planes during World War II and is currently home to a marine reserve unit.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former passenger terminal will include meeting spaces, exhibits of the unique history of Floyd Bennett Field and offer complete visitor information for the attractions and facilities inside the park. The restoration of the Ryan Center will also turn the building’s vintage control tower, which was originally built by the Navy on the eve of World War II, into a unique panoramic view deck, with views out into Jamaica Bay and towards the New York City skyline.
Hello! Has anyone else asked themselves how much individual body armor $4.8 million could buy for our troops? Are we saying a bird watching facility is more important then our deployed troops?
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You cant go to war with the army you want only the army you have.
The war is already going to cost $611 billion.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/gallery/251007war_costs/
It would be nice to have more money for infrastructure like Floyd Bennett. Maybe bridges and roads too.
http://www.nationalpriorities.org/Cost-of-War/Cost-of-War-3.html
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Infrastucture is, or at least, should not be appropriated under the Defense Appropriations Bill. Next time you take a position on PORK, keep this in mind. jnf
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I retired from the U.S. Navy at Floyd Bennett Field, on December 31st 1973. Formerly known as United States Naval Air Station, New York. It was a great Naval Base. I lived in the housing area, before they tore them down. I have fond memories of it. They had a huge fire on the base, that burned down the Enlisted Men’s Club. At least it’s not a Housing Project. Be thankful for that.
Gerry Flynn
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It is a pleasure to read responses from two of my favorite buddies. My contemporary at high school, Gerry Flynn, USNR/Retired and James Fetter, a Vietnam veteran, who has impeccable Washington, D.C. credentials, and knows “pork” when he sees it. These were two individuals who lived in the area at one time. Note the responders!!! Both have something to say about the cost of war, but neither added that “ear mark” spending has already far outspent the cost of the war in dollars. (Exclusive of those who lost their lives, or suffered wounds). Why not spend the money on disabled veterans who went to war as “the army we had”, since it was lifted from the Defense Appropriations Bill?
There are other means for renovating a building and creating a park or funding environmental issues. Many of which are included in “earmark spending”, but not through lifting monies from an appropriation that has another purpose. I think it’s time we start an organization (not unlike, save the pelicans, whales, dolphins, tit mouse or Washington State slugs) to prevent the destruction of land inhabited by prairie dogs, rattle snakes, lizards and other creatures subject to displacement by wind turbines.
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It is nice to see that a historical building is coming of use again. The ones who survived have a place to retreat to in remembrance of those who lost there lives. It doesn’t matter about the money because in the end all we have are the buildings and there echoes of long live the military strong in time.
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