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Groundbreaking ceremony held for Child Development Center

  • Published
  • By 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Ceremonial shovels punched into the dirt, signaling the start of an $8 million, 23,000 square-foot Child Development Center here June 18, funded by the federal economic stimulus package.

According to base officials, the new center will accommodate the growing need of base personnel for day care services as well as provide a safe and healthy environment for early childhood development and preschool programs.

"While we have the capacity right now for 130 [children], we have a requirement for over 300," said Col. Stephen Clark, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. " We have 160 on the waiting list and close to half of those have not been born yet. We appreciate the support from the senator, congressman and also for the contractors from the design company and from the Corp of Engineers."

The center is expected to be completed in April 2011. The contract was awarded to RMA Land Construction, Inc., which is located in Chula Vista, Calif. The project is headed by the Army Corps of Engineers and is part of the American Recover and Reeinvestment Act of 2009.

"As with many child development centers, the Air Force child development programs are certified and are considered to be some of the very best programs in the nation," said Diane Venture, a representative for U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, "It is important to remember the significance in having such a positive program on base that gives all children a chance to open the door to new opportunities."

Also present at the groundbreaking were Chief Master Sgt. Michael Gilbert, Air Force Special Operations command chief and Chief Master Sgt, William Turner, 27th Special OperationsWing command chief.
 

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