Fort Carson funding could stay though troops not coming

The Associated Press and Army Times report that Fort Carson might get to keep more than $500 million to improve its facilities even though it’s no longer receiving a new brigade combat team.

A Defense Department budget bill for the year ending Sept. 30, 2010, that was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee this week includes $578 million for construction projects at the Mountain Post.

“That’s $179 million less than the $757 million Fort Carson was supposed to receive before the Pentagon canceled plans earlier this month to locate a fifth brigade combat team at the post,” said Sen. Mark Udall, adding that all allocations are “still subject to negotiation.”

The money will be used to upgrade and expand barracks, dining halls and hospital capacity, among other projects. Facilities that were eliminated included a headquarters and family housing for the canceled brigade.