Agreement with the Valle d'Aosta region on military properties

24/07/14

The training base and heliport of Pollein were inaugurated this afternoon in Aosta, in the presence of the chief of staff of the army, General Claudio Graziano and the president of the region, Augusto Rollandin.

The inauguration represents an important step in the realization of the property program agreement signed with the 30 July 2008 between the army and the Valle d'Aosta region.

In exchange for the ownership of the historic Barracks "Testafochi", the Region proceeded to redevelop and restructure the logistic training base of Pollein and the heliport plus some buildings of the "Battisti" and "Ramires" barracks.

The Valle d'Aosta region has fully financed the works for an amount of approximately 28 million.

General Graziano, during his speech, recalling having served in the Valle d'Aosta, said that "occasions like this serve to consolidate a relationship of brotherhood between the army and the local community that has never been extinguished" .

"In a period of rationalization - continued General Graziano - the army can continue to pursue the efficiency, training and safety of its men and women also thanks to the collaboration with local authorities. Aosta starts a message of optimism and an example to follow for the whole country ".

The interventions at Pollein's logistic training base made it possible to create fundamental structures to guarantee the training of army units.

In addition to a new off-road route for tactical vehicle training and a training area against improvised explosive devices, a new simulator for individual and team combat was also installed.

The new heliport also meets the requirements of the national civil aviation authority and can therefore also be used by rescue unit aircraft.

The ceremony will continue with the last flag-bearer in the historic barracks "Testafochi" that passes to the Valle d'Aosta region.

After the renovation the building will be converted into a University Pole.

To remember the glorious past of the oldest barracks in the city, from 128 years synonymous with military garrison and the Alpine troops, historical site of the glorious “Aosta” battalion, will remain the war memorial and the memorial of the Aosta and 4 alpine battalion.

Source: Army Majority Staff