AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that the state will build a base camp for the Texas Military Department near the Mexico border.
The first phase of construction on the 80-acre base camp near Eagle Pass has already started, according to Abbott.
"This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas Military Department personnel in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and more efficiently," Abbott said. "
The new base camp will hold up to 1,800 soldiers with the ability to expand up to 2,300. According to Abbott, troops have been scattered across Eagle Pass and forced to travel long distances to serve their mission. Abbott said the base camp will have a large dining facility, recreation, computers, and WiFi, along with individual rooms for soldiers.
"It's essential that we build this base camp, for these soldiers," Abbott said. "It's going to be good for them. Improve living conditions, improve the quality of life, and improve, and sustain a very strong morale, for our soldiers."
According to the Associated Press, Gov. Brian Kamp said Georgia would send 15 to 20 guard members to build a forward command post for Texas guard members. Kemp first deployed troops to the border in 2019, and 29 guard members remained to perform missions that included aerial surveillance.
New Hampshire lawmakers also approved Gov. Chris Sununu's request to send 15 National Guard volunteers to the Texas border after he said fentanyl is the state's most serious health crisis.