Jul. 14, 2004

Perry Announces $20.5 million for Infrastructure Improvements at Ft. Hood

Funds Contingent Upon Additional Military Resources Committed to Base by DoD

FORT HOOD –Gov. Rick Perry today announced an unprecedented $20.5 million commitment to bolster the state’s chances of securing expanded military operations at Fort Hood as part of the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The commitment – made through the Texas Department of Transportation – would be used to build new and improve existing roads and other infrastructure needed to support expanded operations if the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) decides to increase operations at Fort Hood.

“In Texas, we are proud of our servicemen and women, value the contributions made by our 18 military installations, and appreciate the fact that the military’s presence pumps $49 billion into our state’s economy,” Perry said. “Today I am announcing a unique commitment by the State of Texas to enhance Fort Hood’s standing in the BRAC process: If the Department of Defense decides to add 5,000 new soldiers and civilian employees to Fort Hood, the state of Texas will make more than $20 million in infrastructure improvements necessary to support their stationing.”

The infrastructure projects include an extension of State Highway 195 at Fort Hood Street; an overpass ammunition route on Highway 190, an alternate route to relieve traffic at the intersection of Mohawk and Clear Creek Roads and a widening of Tank Destroyer Boulevard. Perry said he has notified Deputy Under Secretary Raymond Dubois of the state’s commitment to these projects should the military expand its Fort Hood personnel.

“As the BRAC approaches, I don’t want to merely protect the status quo at Fort Hood, I want to see its mission and manpower expanded.” Perry said. “As the U.S. military’s largest active duty armored post, and the only post in the country that supports two full armored divisions, Fort Hood is critical to the war on terror, the mission of our military and the livelihood of Central Texas families as well as the entire state of Texas.”

In anticipation of the 2005 BRAC, Perry and state leaders have adopted a proactive policy to promote and enhance Texas military installations, the communities that surround them and the military families who call Texas home. Among the steps the governor and the Texas Legislature have taken are:

Creation of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC), a nine member group of community leaders from across Texas responsible for oversight, planning and implementation of all military related state programs.
Creation of the Texas Military Value Fund, a $250 million low-interest, revolving loan fund that can be used by military communities for economic development or needed infrastructure improvements that enhance the military value of installations.
Provision of education benefits that allow military families to enroll in state supported colleges and universities at state resident tuition rates and to retain student status at the same rates, even if the military member is transferred out of state.
Legislation mandating discounted electrical utility rates for all military installations to lower base operating costs.
Directives that state agencies give priority to military leaders on issues such as condition of roadway deployment routes, quality of life and environmental compliance issues.

“The majority of our bases are home to multiple branches of the U.S. military, many with excess capacity that can accept new missions as well as reassignment of new military units from overseas or other locations,” Perry said. “Texas has taken good care of its ports, rail and roadway systems, and airports that can accommodate rapid mobilization and deployment requirements. Additionally, Texas’ strategic geographic location is critical to United States homeland security efforts.”

Perry and members of the TMPC continue to work with representatives from the state’s other military communities in identifying how the state can help them in the BRAC process.