CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An end to plans for a border wall could mean the return of funding for a middle school at Fort Campbell.
Late Friday, the Department of Defense released a statement on the cancellation of border wall projects that were going to be paid for with funds originally intended for the military, specifically mentioning “schools for military children.”
“Consistent with the president’s proclamation, the Department of Defense is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions and functions such as schools for military children, overseas military construction projects in partner nations, and the National Guard and Reserve equipment account,” said Jamal Brown, deputy Pentagon spokesman.
“DOD has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects and to coordinate with interagency partners. Today’s action reflects this administration’s continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families,” Brown said.
Unobligated military construction funds will be used for previously deferred projects, allowing some of these critical efforts to move forward, the news release said.
Among the 127 projects that lost funding in September 2019 was $62 million that had been given to Fort Campbell for construction of a new middle school. As part of the project, the old Fort Campbell High was to be renovated for use by grades 6-8. The project was intended to relieve overcrowding.
Tennessee’s Congress members, including Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, expressed frustration with the decision at the time. “Securing the border and supporting military families should not be mutually exclusive,” Blackburn said.
DoD is now reviewing the deferred project list to determine funding prioritization, which means the Fort Campbell school could have its funding restored.