WASHINGTON, D.C., -- House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) praised the Department of Defense's plans to build 191 new family housing units at Whiteman Air Force Base and to perform critical maintenance on two barracks buildings at Fort Leonard Wood.

"It has long been my goal to make Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood the premier military installations in the United States. These new projects will not only improve facilities but more importantly enhance the quality of life enjoyed by our service members and their families in Missouri," Skelton said.

For Whiteman Air Force Base, the Defense Department plans to dedicate an additional $37.5 million to build 191 new housing units and demolish 200 old housing units. When combined with previously appropriated funds, $74.6 million will be allocated for this new housing project at Whiteman.

"This new family housing at Whiteman is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate inadequate housing at U.S. military installations and provide up-to-date homes our military families can be proud to live in," said Skelton.

At Fort Leonard Wood, the Defense Department plans to use $18 million in operations and maintenance funds to conduct repairs on two barracks buildings. Repairs will bring these buildings to current codes and standards and will include windows, roofing, HVAC, lighting, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm and suppression systems. This funding is in addition to the $50 million for new barracks construction that was authorized this summer.

"Earlier this year, I contacted the Secretary of the Army to express my concerns about barracks at Fort Leonard Wood which failed to meet minimum quality of life standards. I am very pleased that corrective action will be taken so that our troops will have the well-maintained facilities they deserve and the American people expect our nation to provide for those who volunteer to serve our country," said Skelton. 

Currently there are new military family housign units open at Whiteman.