Aug. 09, 2004

Perry Announces $16.2 million for Infrastructure Improvements at Fort Bliss

Funds to Enhance Mobility and Traffic Flow in Anticipation of Additional Troops

EL PASO – Gov. Rick Perry today announced a $16.2 million commitment by the State of Texas to improve infrastructure, mobility and traffic flow on and around Fort Bliss. Last month the Army announced it would move an additional 3,800 troops to Fort Bliss in 2006 and an additional 5,000 troops to Fort Hood in 2005.

"As one of the premier military installations in America, and home to the largest joint training exercises in the armed forces, Fort Bliss is critical to the war on terror, the livelihood of El Paso families and the entire State of Texas," Perry said. "The Department of Defense recently recognized the importance of Fort Bliss by committing 3,800 additional personnel to the base, and today I am proud to announce that the State of Texas is committing $16.2 million in infrastructure improvements to support their stationing here at Fort Bliss."

Perry said that potential projects identified for funding include building an overpass between Fort Bliss and Biggs Army Airfield that will ease traffic congestion on Fred Wilson Boulevard and Airport Road and provide for the efficient movement of personnel and equipment between the base and the airfield.

"Not only will these infrastructure projects support the additional 3,800 soldiers and civilians that will call Fort Bliss home beginning in 2006, it will place Fort Bliss in a stronger position as the Department of Defense makes base realignment and closure decisions in the near future," Perry said. "With the possibility of troops being moved from the European Theater, I believe Fort Bliss is an attractive option for relocation of additional Army personnel."

Perry noted that the state has already helped secure the relocation of 5,000 additional troops to Fort Hood in Central Texas by committing $20 million for transportation infrastructure improvements there.

"I’ve asked the Transportation Commission to place both the Fort Bliss and Fort Hood projects on its August 26 agenda because it is important that we get these projects moving quickly in light of the upcoming BRAC decisions," Perry added.

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.