Schumer, Gillibrand: West Point Military Base Elementary School & Waste Water Treatment Facility Need & Deserve to Be Updated

Statement

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that several New York priorities incorporated into the Military Construction appropriations bill have passed Congress and are now on their way to the President's desk. Specifically, the bill includes $70 million to replace the waste water treatment plant at West Point. The plant was built in 1956 and has not been upgraded since 1972. As a result, the plant suffers from leaking tanks that are beyond repair. Additionally, the bill includes $55 million for a new elementary school at West Point. The current school was constructed in 1963 and remains in violation of numerous federal education and sustainability regulations. Schumer and Gillibrand said that replacing the base's waste water treatment plant and the elementary school with new state-of-the-art facilities would be major steps forward in improving the environmental conditions at West Point and providing a great education to the children of the West Point military community.

"The Waste Water Treatment Plant at West Point has deteriorated over time and must be replaced. The condition of the base's elementary school is similarly concerning. These outdated facilities consistently fail to meet federal education and energy regulations, and this does our service members and children a great disservice," said Senator Schumer. "I am pleased this combined $125 million in funding has now passed Congress, so we can update these facilities and give the base and the school the new, state-of-the-art resources it needs and deserves. I will continue fighting for this funding until it has been signed by the President."

"West Point is home to some of our nation's best, brightest and bravest. Our men and women in uniform should have the very best facilities for themselves and their children. These critical resources will help West Point do construction and make important upgrades," said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and West Point Board of Visitors. "With this funding, West Point will be able to upgrade their deteriorated Waste Water Treatment Plant and make repairs to the Military Base Elementary School. I will continue fighting to ensure West Point and our troops get the resources they need."

Source