Fort Hood barracks to get $61.5M upgrade

FORT HOOD — A set of barracks that house about 2,000 Fort Hood soldiers will soon see $61.5 million renovation.

After working with Army leadership, U.S. Reps. John R. Carter, R-Round Rock, and Roger Williams, R-Austin, announced Tuesday that Fort Hood will receive the funding to sustain, restore and modernize barracks units at the Great Place.

Brian Dosa, director of public works for Fort Hood, said the post recently received the funding to renovate four barracks that house more than 500 soldiers with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.

"The projects are expected to start in 2017 after contracts are finalized this fall," Dosa said.

"We appreciate support from the Army and the Texas congressional delegation to help secure this funding to improve the condition of the facilities that house our single soldiers."

As the top project priority on post, this money is needed for barracks constantly suffering from water damage and structural faults.

"This has been a hard-fought battle, but I am proud to announce Fort Hood will be receiving this critical funding," said Carter.

"It is absolutely imperative to have high quality housing on Fort Hood for our junior enlisted soldiers; this is a basic principle of readiness in the U.S. Army."

Williams said: "Our soldiers at the Great Place deserve the best resources we can offer so they can adequately prepare to carry out their missions at home and abroad. I am pleased with this announcement, and I will continue to fight for our brave men and women who so honorably answer the call to defend freedom and liberty."