Michigan In Running for $3 Billion Missile Defense Site

The Pentagon is considering locations in Michigan, Ohio and a couple of other states for its new ground-based interceptor ballistic missile defense mission. (Photo via Wikimedia/Creative Commons)

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Two high-ranking members of Michigan’s congressional delegation are making a bipartisan appeal to the Pentagon to choose Battle Creek for a new $3 billion missile defense site.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D- Lansing, and Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said the entire delegation is working with Gov. Rick Snyder’s office to win the competition for the site, The Detroit News reports.

Ohio and two other states in the running for the contract, which could mean $700 million in new construction and 2,100 jobs in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. The defense missile site would be part of the 7,500-acre Fort Custer Training Center, where Michigan National Guard and other branches of the military train.

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“Battle Creek is definitely in the running,” Stabenow said, adding it “would fit perfectly” with facilities already in place.

A resolution introduced in the Michigan Legislature this week urges the federal government to select Fort Custer for the new ground-based interceptor ballistic missile defense mission.

“Selecting Fort Custer would take full advantage of the center’s tactical location and security,” he said. “The state and local community is prepared to support the construction and operation of the system, as well as the additional military personnel who will maintain it.”