Representative John Carter (R-Fort Hood), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that funding has been included in the 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill for a number of projects that will benefit our men and women in uniform at Fort Hood.

“I remain committed to providing our military with the tools and resources they need to successfully serve and protect America,” Congressman Carter said.  “I am pleased to have secured funding for critical projects that enhance our nation’s defense.  By funding these projects we can ensure that our military remains the best and strongest in the world.”

Congressman Carter worked to secure funding for the following projects that benefit Fort Hood:

• $32 million for Vehicle Maintenance Facilities.  This funding will construct unit maintenance and operations facilities for a Clearance Company and a Military Police Unit at Fort Hood.  This requirement is to support the troop increase requested by the Secretary of Defense as part of the “Grow the Force” initiative for the Army. 

• $10.8 million for a Joint Air Ground Center.  The Joint Air Ground Center will support the administrative, training, vehicle and equipment maintenance and storage requirements for the 3rd Air Support Operations Group and the 9th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Hood, Texas.

Representative Carter along with Representative Edwards (TX-17) worked together to secure funding for the following:

• $17.5 million for a Chapel and Religious Education Center.  This funding will be used for the construction of a standard design chapel facility on Fort Hood.  This facility will help meet religious needs of the nearly 50,000 soldiers stationed at Fort Hood while also providing counseling services, child care, and family support services for soldiers and thier families.

Other highlights of the bill include:
 
• Over $1.4 billion for family housing construction for the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.
• $9 billion for BRAC completion.
• $43.1 billion for veteran benefits including disability and retirement benefits.
• $40.7 billion for veterans’ health care including medical services, medical support and compliance, medical facilities, and medical and prosthetic research.  $200 million of that is specifically dedicated to provide fee-based services for veterans in rural or under-served areas.
• $923.3 million for major construction within the VA system, including $9 million for construction of a Spinal Cord Injury Center in Dallas.

These funds were included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill which passed through committee yesterday.  The bill will be brought to the House floor for a vote in the upcoming weeks.