THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR ROBERT BYRD.

Good afternoon. It is great to be back in Harpers Ferry! When Thomas Jefferson visited Harpers Ferry in October 1783, he viewed “the passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge” from a rock, which is today known as Jefferson Rock. Jefferson called the view from that rock “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” I say I agree! I am happy to be with you here today in this beautiful and historic setting.

Chief Walters, thank you for your warm welcome. It is so nice to see you again.

My thanks to the Customs and Border Protection Honor Guard, for the presentation of colors, and to the “Trumpet Trio” from Shepherd University for their beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

And I thank you, Commissioner Basham, for your generous remarks, and for inviting me to be the keynote speaker at this momentous occasion. The support and cooperation of your predecessor, Robert C. Bonner, were invaluable, and I am sure that you and I will establish an equally fine relationship.

Almost three years ago, many of us met here to dedicate the first phase of this state-of-the-art training center. Today we have come together, once again, to celebrate the completion of the firing range complex, a vital part of the important advanced law enforcement training that will be provided here in Harpers Ferry, and to break ground for the Leadership Academy.

In 1999, I secured the first installment of funding to undertake the establishment of this Advanced Training Facility, intended to shore up advanced firearms training at the U.S. Customs Service (now Customs and Border Protection).

Today, I am especially proud to say that to help construct this new center, I have obtained nearly $123 million in design and construction dollars, supplemented by more than $26 million that Customs and Border Protection added to this effort. Look around you everyone! Enjoy the results of teamwork and cooperation!

In 1799, construction began on the U.S. Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, one of only two such facilities in the United States. Between 1801 and its destruction in 1861 to prevent its capture during the Civil War, the Armory produced more than 600,000 muskets, rifles, and pistols.

Now, more than 200 years later, a new top-of-the-line firing range complex has emerged in the same geographic vicinity. Here, much-needed firearms training will be available for the men and women on the front lines of protecting the borders and economy of this great nation.

This 65,000-square-foot firing range complex that we are dedicating today consists of five different state-of-the-art ranges designed for rifles and handguns, and includes classrooms, weapon cleaning areas, and firing range control rooms.

Much time and effort were invested by Customs officials, local officials, and members of the local community to ensure that these ranges were designed not only to surpass the current safety standards, but also to take into consideration concerns about noise and other issues affecting the quality of life here in these beautiful, rolling green hills of West Virginia.

U.S. Customs and Border Protections now has more than 50,000 federal employees, the nation’s largest cadre of armed federal law enforcement officers. This facility is the first in the nation to provide advanced law enforcement training specifically relating to customs and border protection efforts.

But, we have two events to celebrate today! In addition to dedicating this spectacular firing range complex, we are breaking ground for the new Leadership Academy, designed to eliminate the serious shortfall identified by CBP officials in training for first line supervisors.

The author Miguel de Cervantes wrote that “Diligence is the mother of good fortune,” and this complex is the proof that the hard work of many people has brought good fortune to Jefferson County.

I salute the tireless efforts of Don Campbell of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Rick Lemon, then-Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center. Without their hard work, cooperation, advice, and good counsel, our jobs would have been much more difficult, and our path to completion more winding.

My deep appreciation goes to Wes Windle, the acting Director of the Advanced Training Center. His capable leadership has been inspiring, and his dedication to duty and love for Harpers Ferry shine through in his work from day to day.

I am truly blessed to be able to serve the people of the State of West Virginia. “Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness.” So wrote Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881). Today, the efforts of hundreds of people are spread before us like a blessing. Bringing together two independent entities like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Jefferson County, West Virginia well serves the nation. So today, let us enjoy the fruits of our labors together and watch the blessings grow against the background our own rich historic West Virginia landscape.