FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Music filled the air as soldiers and lawmakers from both Kentucky and Tennessee cut the ribbon on Fort Campbell's newly renovated barracks, which replace rooms that were nearly 50 years old. 

What You Need To Know

  • Fort Campbell cut the ribbon Aug. 27 on newly renovated barracks, replacing rooms that were nearly 50 years old 

  • Each renovated barrack costed about $350,000 

  • The barracks feature new living spaces and bedrooms and are double the amount of space the soldiers once had

  • They were also outfitted with a new sprinkler and fire alarm system, ensuring soldiers can live in luxury and safety 

“As our nation's premier fighting force, our (101st Airborne Division) deserves the finest facilities we can provide," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., during an Aug. 27 ceremony. 

The renovated barracks replace ones that were built in the 1980s. 

“They were basic, bare and had no air conditioning," said U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. 

Now, they look fresh and new. Each renovated barrack costed about $350,000, which are made of tile and include individual bathrooms, living space and bedrooms. They're double the amount of space soldiers once had. 

“They had about 90 square feet for each soldier, so it was really tight," said Matthew Blackett, Fort Campbell's acting director of the Department of Public Works. "Essentially, we took what (were) four bedrooms and turned them into two.”

The barracks were also outfitted with a new sprinkler and fire alarm system to soldiers live in luxury and safety.

Other improvements include better-repaired sidewalks and a new metal roof with a 20-year warranty. 

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