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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2005
CONTACT: Chris Paulitz

SENATE APPROVES 2006 MILCON BUDGET
Funds include more than $170 million for Texas base improvements

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today the Senate approved the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill of 2006. The legislation was authored by the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, chaired by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). The legislation appropriates funds for military construction projects for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2006.

“Our servicemen and women deserve proper facilities in which to train and live. This budget is good for our military and our nation,” said Sen. Hutchison. “I am pleased the Senate passed this legislation, which will add more than $1.8 billion to last year’s funding level.”

The legislation will provide more than $12.1 billion for better training capabilities, base facilities and family housing. Overall it includes:

  • $5.9 billion in total military construction funding, $549 million above the president’s request and $285 million above last year’s level;
  • $4.1 billion for family housing construction and operations, including $1.9 billion for new family housing and improvement to existing units, as well as $2.2 billion for family housing operation and maintenance; and
  • $1.8 billion dollars for Base Realignment and Closure activities.

Sen. Hutchison has dedicated more than $170.5 million of the bill for needed improvements in Texas bases. At Sen. Hutchison’s request:

  • Fort Bliss will receive $137,000 for the Biggs Gate traffic alleviation project;
  • Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base will receive $300,000 for the Joint Ground Support Equipment Complex;
  • Fort Sam Houston will receive $7 million to renovate the Barracks Wings and Battalion Command Area; and
  • Ellington Field will receive $15 million for Phase 1 of the Armed Forces Reserve Center/Battle Projection Center.

Also included in the legislation is:

  • $46.4 million to Fort Hood for infrastructure and improvement projects;
  • $6 million to Kingsville for airfield lighting;
  • $36 million to Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB) for the T-6 Combs Warehouse and Student Dormitory;
  • $43 million to Dyess AFB to replace 190 units of family housing;
  • $11 million to Lackland AFB to replace the Military Working Dog Medical Facility; and
  • $5.6 million to build the 2nd phase of the Grand Prairie Army Reserve Center.

“This legislation will improve the facilities and training programs for military servicemen and women,” Sen. Hutchison said. “Our troops and their loved ones make great sacrifices for our nation and deserve the best possible training and infrastructure to help them do their jobs correctly and safely.”

The legislation passed the House of Representatives on May 26th. It will now be sent to the Senate Floor before going to President George W. Bush to be signed into law.

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