By elaine van develde
Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN — Two congressmen think the community should soon be feeling more secure about security at the Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo.
Congressmen Frank Pallone, D-6, and Rush Holt, D-12, have sponsored legislation which was approved recently by the U.S. House of Representatives which, in part, provides $5.6 million for improvements to security at the waterfront Navy supply stop.
Saying Earle has been on "the front lines of defending our nation against terrorist threats both at home and abroad," Pallone said the enhanced security will "bolster the security system and procedures" at the facility. As part of the $5.6 revamp, the Navy will beef up the gate post at the entrance to the pier, a released statement from Pallone said.
Fences will also be installed to step up security, the statement added.
The legislation authorizing these funds is part of an amendment of the National Defense Authorization Act introduced last May. The act authorizes Congress to spend "$383.4 billion in 2003 to meet the nation’s growing defense needs," the statement added.
The House report endorsing the amendment to the act to include Earle’s revamp will now go to the U.S. Senate. If approved there, the amended act will then go to the president for his signature.
The Earle improvements, said Pallone, will "ensure that our fighting men and women have the resources they need to continue serving our nation. "
The amendment that will allow Earle security to be beefed up also makes provisions for housing improvements for military families stationed at Fort Monmouth.
It recommends that proceeds from the sale of the now defunct 486 military housing units at Howard Common, Eatontown, be used to build other military homes and revamp homes in the now unused Charles Wood military housing area, also in Eatontown.