Depending upon the fate of a historic $886 billion defense bill, the El Paso-based Fort Bliss may be in line for big funding out of Washington targeting a series of infrastructure projects.
That legislation, renewing the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024, has now been approved in the House of Representatives on a 219 to 210 vote.
If the measure is finally signed into law, it will fund thousands of new military base building and upgrade projects across the country, with around $100 million heading for Fort Bliss.
One of the largest U.S. Army posts in the nation, Fort Bliss, founded in 1849, is expected to receive around $74 million to fund the construction of a new rail yard spur that has been years in the talking and planning stage.
The new rail facilities will be used to transport heavy equipment, vehicles, and personnel. The project has been regarded by Fort Bliss officials as particularly crucial should the base’s current rail spur ever become nonfunctional.
Earlier this year Texas Representative Veronica Escobar, whose district includes El Paso, issued a statement remarking: “I’m proud that after years of advocacy, funding for the rail yard at Fort Bliss is included in the fiscal year 2024 Department of Defense President’s budget request.”
An additional $7.2 million will target the planning and design of training barracks at the base.
The National Defense Authorization Act is usually renewed in Congress almost automatically and typically enjoys wide support. Last year’s version of the legislation was approved on a 316 to 113 vote.
This year’s version of the legislation was a closer thing, with some House members, complaining about Defense Department abortion access and gender transition services, vowing to vote against renewal.
Ultimate passage means that up to $19 million in funding will be available for base construction, along with $17.5 billion for family housing projects, and another $400 million for any number of testing facility and laboratory construction and renovation projects.
The measure, with many of its more controversial social policy amendments attached, is now on its way to the Senate where lawmakers may add or take away from the House measure.
Fort Bliss spans some 1,700 square miles in both El Paso and southern New Mexico and ranks as the Army’s second largest military installation.
By Garry Boulard
