Outdated Fort Campbell Vietnam-era barracks to be renovated as part of $73 funding package

Vietnam-era barracks to be renovated with $73 funding award.

Fort Campbell barracks dating back to the Vietnam era are set to be reconditioned using a portion of $73 million in defense funds included as part of a government bill.

The project is one of several secured in this year’s congressional funding bill aimed at helping to improve quality of life for soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell.

The barracks set for renovation house the 1st Brigade Combat Team and are the last of the VOLAR style barracks on the installation, according to a news release from Fort Campbell Strong Defense Alliance.

VOLAR barracks are Volunteer Army barracks that were originally built in the mid-1970s.

“This is exciting news, and we are thrilled to know that this additional funding will allow for the acceleration of renovations of these barracks,” Kelli Pendleton, president and CEO of the Campbell Strong Defense Alliance, said in a release.

“We are grateful to our lawmakers from both Tennessee and Kentucky who understand the critical role that Fort Campbell plays in global defense and who work hard to ensure that our soldiers have the resources they need to be successful.”

Funding for these upgrades was a priority this year for the Campbell Strong Defense Alliance.

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Pendleton said in the release legislatures serve in important roles on committees.

“When it comes to Fort Campbell, the state line can often prove to be beneficial,” she explained.

Senators representing Kentucky are Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. Senators representing Tennessee are  Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty. Fort Campbell is also included in the House Districts for Representative Mark Green, TN-7th District, and Representative James Comer, KY- 1st District.

Campbell Strong Defense Alliance is a regional nonprofit of local business, community and retired military leaders with a shared vision to support Fort Campbell and strengthen regional economy. The goal is to serve the military population of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to TheLeafChronicle.com.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Fort Campbell Vietnam-era barracks to be renovated as part of funding bill