U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced today that Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa is on track to receive a $34 million investment for construction of a permanent Joint Special Operations University under the House’s VA/Military Construction Appropriations bill, which is scheduled for a vote this week. This substantial construction investment at MacDill will bring jobs and bolster the vital Special Operations mission.

“This investment demonstrates our country’s commitment to special forces,” Castor said. “It was Special Operations forces who brought Osama bin Laden to justice per President’s Obama’s direction. We must remain dedicated to educating these fine soldiers so they can carry out specialized missions that protect our nation and our security.”

The Joint Special Operations University moved to a temporary building in Tampa in 2011, from Okaloosa. The university was established in 2000 as a learning site for special operators and national security decision makers.

The existing building isn’t big enough to offer all of the necessary classes. With this funding, construction could start in March and take a little more than a year to complete.

“By building a new facility for the Joint Special Operations University, we are creating new construction jobs,” Castor said. “At the same time, we are renewing our commitment to MacDill and showcasing the base’s strategic importance to our nation.”