WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, and U.S. Representatives Tim Huelskamp and Lynn Jenkins today announced the Department of Defense has awarded a $16 million grant to Geary County Unified School District 475 to replace Fort Riley Elementary School. 

Due to problems with capacity and the condition of the facility, Fort Riley Elementary school is the 20^th school on the Deputy Secretary of Defense Priority List. The new school will address these deficiencies and will with serve 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“I am pleased Geary County USD is getting the funds it needs to improve the education of the children of those who serve,” Sen. Roberts said. “These new facilities are desperately needed to address overcrowding and aging infrastructure.”

“Funding for a new Ft. Riley Elementary School is a great way to kick off the new year,” Sen. Moran said. “The Kansas Delegation has been working to address the overcrowding and overall condition of Ft. Riley’s schools, which are well-beyond capacity. The Junction City Community and the Geary County School District have accommodated for population growth at Ft. Riley, so it’s encouraging to see the federal government carry out its commitment and prioritize education for the children of those who serve our nation.”

“This is an exciting day for Ft. Riley soldiers and their families. With this grant we are honoring the brave men and women who protect our country,” Rep. Huelskamp said. “I look forward to the continued tremendous support of Ft. Riley by the local communities, counties, and region.”

“Community and military leaders have been discussing the need for another elementary school at Fort Riley for a long time, and I am pleased the Army is showing its commitment to our soldiers’ families and children with this project,” Rep. Jenkins said. “I look forward to the expanded education opportunities this new school will bring to one of America’s finest military bases.”

Funding for these grants is provided under the Department’s Public Schools on Military Installations Program. The Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), in making these funds available, must give priority consideration to those military installations with schools having the most serious capacity or facility condition deficiencies, as determined by the Deputy Secretary of Defense Priority List. 

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