REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE

TITLE OF BILL:

AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF MILITARY FACILITIES.

SPONSORS OF BILL:

REASONS FOR BILL:

To allow military facilities that are not armories to be leased and to amend such procedures.

Substitute language: Adds a new section (d) to line 70-78 regarding a report of the facilities' income and expenses.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Walter E. Lippincott, Assistant Adjutant General, Army: In his testimony, Brigadier General Lippincott, supports the passage of S.B. 316. The language of the bill substitutes the term 'military facilities' for 'armories' because the term 'armory' has become obsolete. 'Readiness Centers' is the new term that refers to the buildings that house the military forces. Also, some facilities available for non-military use are not armories. This bill would allow the Adjutant General authority to waive any fees associated with the use of such facilities for military organizations. The Military Department facility operations favors the revisions.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Debbi Newton, President-Elect and Legislative Chair of the National Guard Association of Connecticut: In her testimony, Ms. Newton supports the concept and the change of language in S.B.316. The language change would be the word armory to facilities, with existing armories and future facilities being constructed called Readiness Centers This bill would also allow more facilities to be leased, while allowing the adjutant general the authority to limit the leasing of these facilities to military and non-profit organizations, organizations receiving state aid and governmental agencies. By changing the language to facilities, gives the ability to lease buildings and sites other than armories and amends the leasing procedures.

Jim Whitney, Director of Northwest Connecticut Convention & Visitors Bureau: In his testimony, Mr. Whitney offers support on behalf of the state funded, quasi-governmental agency with a suggested modification. Mr. Whitney mentions a successful event held in the Waterbury Armory in the past and looks forward to future use of the facility. Mr. Whitney suggests that the revenue generated by leasing a facility be used to maintain the premises rather than directed to the general fund.He believes the amounts involved are great enough to make a difference on a local level, but relatively insignificant with respect to the general fund.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

None.