$90M Approved for New NY Army National Guard HQ

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced the authorization of $90 million to construct a new headquarters for the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division. The new facility will be located at the former Heritage Park stadium site in Colonie, which was previously home to the Albany Colonie Yankees baseball team. This development comes as part of the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

The current headquarters, built in 1971, no longer meets the Army's requirements for space and modern infrastructure. The new headquarters aims to provide the necessary space and updated facilities to support the division's growing needs. Senator Schumer emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "We are one critical step closer to building a much-needed new armory for the 42nd Infantry ‘Rainbow’ Division."

In addition to the headquarters, the NDAA has authorized $29 million for a new electrical switching station at Watervliet Arsenal. The funding for these projects is seen as a major milestone in securing future federal funding and initiating construction. Senator Gillibrand highlighted the bipartisan effort in passing the NDAA, saying, "This year’s NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans."

The new headquarters is expected to enhance the division's mission readiness and training capabilities. The New York State government has already contributed $5 million to acquire a new location and an additional $10 million for design advancements. With the federal funding process now unlocked, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand will continue advocating for the necessary appropriations to complete the project.