Rockville, MD – Today U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin and Maryland Congressman Chris Van (all D-MD) announced the Defense Department will release a $7.3 million grant to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration to construct improvements at the intersection of Maryland Route 187 and West Cedar Lane/Oakmont Avenue. This grant award will improve access to the Walter Reed National Military Center and reduce congestion in the surrounding community related to Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) consolidation at the facility. Today’s announcement is the first of four grants expected to be awarded to the state of Maryland for this purpose.
“This funding is welcome news for the thousands of wounded warriors and their families who will use the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, as well as Montgomery County’s beleaguered commuters,” said Senator Cardin. “As a delegation, we have been united in our efforts to ensure federal support for the expanded medical facility and the tens of thousands of new military and civilian jobs being brought to our state through the BRAC process. I am pleased that we will be able to provide much-needed road upgrades to improve safety and reduce BRAC-related congestion.”
“I fought in the Senate to BRAC-proof Maryland’s bases, now I am working to BRAC-ready our transportation systems. Our troops fight overseas to protect our freedom, they shouldn’t have to fight traffic to get the care they’ve earned when they get back,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds the Department of Defense. “The Walter Reed National Military Center at Bethesda will be the frontline in delivering care to our wounded warriors. I am proud to partner with my Team Maryland colleagues to make BRAC a success and secure the federal funding needed to meet the increased demands on our communities.”
“Bethesda is proud to be the home of the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and we are committed to ensuring it is a world-class center of excellence for the American men and women who have served our nation,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “This funding will improve access to the facility for patients, families, and base personnel and reduce BRAC-related congestion in the surrounding community. It’s a win-win for everyone and an important part of the federal government’s strategy for success at the new Walter Reed.”