The Department of Defense has awarded a $16 million grant to replace the Fort Riley Elementary School in Kansas, Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) announced on Monday.
Overcrowding and structural issues at the military base’s school prompted it to be ranked as No. 20 on the deputy secretary of defense’s list of priorities. The new school will educate 500 children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“I am pleased Geary County Unified School District is getting the funds it needs to improve the education of the children of those who serve,” Roberts said. “These new facilities are desperately needed to address overcrowding and aging infrastructure.”
The DoD Public Schools on Military Installations Program administered the grant. The Office of Economic Adjustment makes funds available to schools on military installations that face the most pressing capacity and facility renovation needs.
“Community and military leaders have been discussing the need for another elementary school at Fort Riley for a long time, and I am pleased the Army is showing its commitment to our soldiers’ families and children with this project,” Jenkins said. “I look forward to the expanded education opportunities this new school will bring to one of America’s finest military bases.”