Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund to Recieve $1 Million State Distribution

Governor approved the distribution to seven military bases and installations in North Carolina

September 18, 2007

ONSLOW COUNTY NC NEWS -- North Carolina Governor Easley has approved the distribution of one million dollars to seven military bases and installations in North Carolina. The distribution is part of House Bill 1473, "2007 Appropriations Act," which appropriates North Carolina funds to be used to expand programs that improve quality of life for military personnel and their families based in North Carolina.

The "2007 Appropriations Act" provides a total of $1 million to be distributed on a per capita basis to designated military installations. The money is to be deposited in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund (MWRF) for each installation below to develop and expand, community service, morale and recreation programs on the military base for military personnel and their families.

Distribution amounts are:

• $32,800 to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
• $39,000 to Pope Air Force Base.
• $12,000 to the Air Force for Air National Guard units in North Carolina.
• $6,900 to the Air Force for Air Force Reserve units in North Carolina.
• $409,200 to Fort Bragg ($368,400 of which is to be used for support of active duty personnel; $40,800 is to be used to support Army Reserve Personnel).
• $80,500 to the North Carolina Army National Guard.
• $13,700 to the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center in Elizabeth City.
• $290,000 to the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune in Onslow County.
• $65,100 to the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point.
• $47,500 to the Marine Corps Air Station in New River.
• $3,300 to Naval Reserve Centers and active duty personnel serving at Naval Recruiting and Operating Support Centers in North Carolina.

Governor Easley, announcing the distribution said, "Our support for and commitment to our military families is unwavering. We are dedicated to helping these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines and their families in every way we can."

North Carolina's military presence is among the largest in the country and generates more than $18 billion a year for the state economy. North Carolina is home to more than 123,000 military personnel including active duty, Reserve and National Guard units. In addition, the U.S. Navy is considering the location of an outlying landing field (OLF) for carrier aircraft pilot training in northeast North Carolina.