The U.S. Army and Congress are investing more than $1.7 billion in Watervliet Arsenal to support modernization efforts at the manufacturing facility over the next two decades.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Friday that the investment is the largest in the facility’s history and will be used to upgrade buildings, equipment and machinery, as well as promote job retention and creation.
The Army will invest $230 million in five active modernization projects and five additional planned projects starting later this year. These projects include rotary forge replacement, machinery upgrades, infrastructure improvements and quality inspection enhancements.
Another $130.5 million will be invested in modernization projects at the facility in 2024. The service branch will distribute the rest of the investment until fiscal year 2038.
Schumer said the record-breaking investment will also support the base’s almost 800 civilian employees and ensure that the Army-operated industrial manufacturing facility will maintain cannon production for the next generations.
Built in 1813, Watervliet Arsenal produces advanced weaponry for tanks, howitzers and mortar systems for U.S. and allied forces.
John McHugh, former secretary of the Army, designated the arsenal as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for cannons and mortars in 2013.
