Washington, May 15 - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) announced today the Department of Defense awarded $13,215,233 in federal funds for total reconstruction of Logan Heights Elementary located at Fort Bliss, an El Paso Independent School District school.

“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I worked together with my fellow Democrats on the Appropriations Committee to provide needed funds to replace and repair aging school districts on military installations around the country.  Logan Heights Elementary, which was originally constructed over 50 years ago, is currently serving as many as 300 students over its capacity.  The age of facility and large student population put Logan at the top of the priority list for replacement,” Congressman Reyes said. “Providing $13 million in federal funds will help EPISD focus resources on other priorities including keeping teachers in the classroom and our children learning.  This funding will help ensure that all children in El Paso have safe schools where they can learn and grow.”

Funding for the Logan Heights Elementary School replacement was appropriated by Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 112-74), and the funding will be overseen by the Department of Defense's Office of Economic Adjustment which previously administered $300,000 appropriated to support the transfer of Castner Range and over $3.6 million for the City of El Paso's efforts to plan for the expansion of Fort Bliss.

“I thank the Department of Defense, the El Paso Independent School District and its board of trustees, especially Board President Isela Castanon Williams, and EPISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Terri Jordan for their continued commitment to education and learning. This critical federal funding comes at a much needed time and will make a world of difference to the students, faculty and staff at Logan Heights Elementary,” Congressman Reyes said.

The El Paso Independent School District will provide $3,304,000 in matching funds to move the Logan Heights Elementary project forward.

Congressman Reyes will hold a press conference with El Paso Independent School District officials to present award to Logan Heights Elementary school. The time and location will be announced at a later date.