On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Department of Defense awarded fourteen Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling approximately $100 million. DCIP is a competitive program for states, territories, and communities to undertake infrastructure enhancements to support military value, the training of cadets at independent "covered educational institutions," installation resiliency, and/or family quality of life that benefits their local installations.
On August 1, 2024, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment instructed the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to invite grant applications for fourteen projects based on a competitive ranking of all proposed projects in response to a March 28, 2024, DCIP Notice of Funding Opportunity.
These awards derive from Fiscal Year 2024 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $31.5 million in non-federal funding, for a total investment of $131.1 million.
"The Defense Community Infrastructure Program continues to be a significant tool for the Department to enhance the critical relationship between installations and their respective communities," said Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. "This year's program demonstrates how communities can come together with their military partners to address critical infrastructure needs that will enhance both the military mission and community resilience. The Department looks forward to seeing these projects come to fruition."
The City of Copperas Cove, Texas was awarded $10,308,877 to undertake a project to construct road improvements for better installation access and to reduce traffic congestion, increase safety and security, and improve surface deployments. This project will support the facilitation capabilities for future larger-scale enhancements, such as a regional multi-modal transportation hub, which will benefit both Fort Cavazos and the community at large, enhancing readiness, resilience, and quality of life for service members, families, and surrounding communities.
"A great collaboration exists with the City of Copperas Cove and our regional allies at Fort Cavazos and across Central Texas. This project will serve as a cornerstone to future investments improving rail, truck and personal transit into and off of Fort Cavazos. We are excited to be the sponsor for this project and look forward to getting it started.” Fred Welch, Executive Director, Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation.
“The City of Copperas Cove is blessed to receive an award of $10.3 million in federal funds to enhance the value and resiliency of Fort Cavazos. I greatly value the partnerships with Fort Cavazos, the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, and Texas Department of Transportation who made this grant award possible. This project will encourage and support economic opportunities for Copperas Cove businesses and residents.” Ryan Haverlah, City Manager, City of Copperas Cove.