National Defense Authorization Act brings investments to Space Force, Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027 is bringing investments to some of El Paso County's military installations.

Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., who represents parts of El Paso County including Fort Carson and the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), says the new bill which passed in the House of Representatives earlier this month will help bring more resources to the community.

Part of the bill includes a $250 million Space Force operations facility at Schriever Space Force Base, and will support 2,500 civilian jobs, according to officials. It will also increase the number of personnel at the Peterson Space Force Base and doubles the entire Space Forces' budget.

Rep. Crank says the bill also prevented the closure of the USAFA's 70th Flying Training Squadron, which he says will allow cadets to continue to learn how to fly gliders and other skills. The bill also included a dedicated funding mechanism for the USAFA's campus.

"This bill is a clear signal that the Department of War is doubling down on its long-term commitment to Colorado Springs, creating jobs, supporting our local economy, and reinforcing our community's role as the heart of America's space enterprise," Rep. Crank said in a press release.

The full bill is available on the U.S. Congress website.

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