Washington, Dec 20, 2007 -

Representative John Carter (R-TX) and Representative Chet Edwards (D-TX), both members of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that $18 million has been secured for the CH-47 Chinook Maintenance Hangar at Fort Hood.

“Finally, our appropriations process has come to completion.  One of my top priorities is providing our military with the tools and resources they need to successfully serve and protect America,” Rep. Carter said.  “I am pleased to have worked alongside Representative Edwards to secure this funding for a new hangar that will support additional Chinook helicopters.  Fort Hood is the largest military base in the country and this funding is imperative to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the Army’s growing Combat Aviation Brigade.  I am proud that the Texas delegation could come together and support our families and soldiers at Fort Hood.”

"Ft. Hood fared extremely well in this Appropriations bill, and it was a privilege for me, as Chairman of the MilCon-VA Subcommittee to work with Mr. Carter to obtain the funding for the CH-47 hangar and to support the other key projects there that are so important to Ft. Hood soldiers and their families.  This was truly a bipartisan team effort, and I especially want to commend Mr. Carter for his leadership on the CH-47 hangar and Senator Hutchison for her initiative in adding funding for a much-needed Ft. Hood child care center,” Rep. Edwards said. 

This funding will allow for the construction of a CH-47 maintenance hangar at Hood Army Airfield in order to support the Army’s initiative to transform aviation brigade sized units to combat aviation brigade sized units.  This transformation will provide more flexibility and supports the Global War on Terrorism.  The present hangar was built in the 1950’s, only supports three aircraft, and does not meet the current requirements to support the maintenance needs of today’s advanced aircraft.  These funds provide Fort Hood with an adequate facility required to support a Combat Aviation Brigade and also prevent unnecessary hardships to the unit’s ability to maintain and train soldiers.  The new hangar will provide sufficient space to protect aircraft from inclement and damaging weather. 

Carter and Edwards successfully included over $160 million in military funds for Fort Hood.  In addition to the Chinook Maintenance Hangar, specific projects include:
• $7.4 million for a Child Development Center
• $92 million for new barracks complexes
• $46 million for a new Unit Operations Facility

These projects were included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.  This bill was part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill that passed by the House of Representatives today.  This was the final legislative hurdle and the Omnibus now goes to the President to be signed into law.