Castro Statement on New Housing Planned for JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

Castro Statement on New Housing Planned for JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement:

"My office has been informed of the Department of Defense's plans to replace five barracks at Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston that have been plagued by mold and faulty construction. Replacing these barracks, which hold 6,000 medical trainees for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, will cost well over a billion dollars. It's critical that the Pentagon not repeat the construction mistakes of the past and provide quality housing that meets the needs of our servicemembers."

Background:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Barrack Task force identified 5 barracks on JBSA-Ft. Sam Houston as a priority to demolish and replace due to severe mold, humidity, and construction issues. They plan to demolish these barracks in September and begin construction by end of the year. The DoD expects the project to cost over $1.4 billion in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. To accommodate construction, the DoD is moving the medical trainees from these barracks into other housing facilities on the base.