WASHINGTON — The Army's Schofield Barracks would receive $279 million for new buildings, roads, water lines, sewers and other upgrades next year as part of the $553 million in construction spending the House approved today for Hawai'i military bases next year.

The Hawai'i money is part of a $118.7 billion appropriations bill, approved on a vote of 409-4, for military construction, the Veterans Affairs Department and other military health and housing programs next year. The next step is Senate consideration of the bill, which may occur in September when Congress returns from its August recess. "By addressing the military readiness crisis — equipment, manpower, training and facilities — these funds will have a large and direct impact on Hawai'i-based troops and military installations," said U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, a subcommittee chairman on the House Armed Service Committee. The $279 million for Schofield Barracks includes a brigade complex, two battalion complexes, a barracks and water, sewer, roads and other infrastructure to support additional support units as part of an overall increase in the size of the Army. At Pearl Harbor, the Navy would use $45 million to renovate Building 1337 into a new indoor fitness center including basketball, volleyball, racquetball and handball courts, locker rooms with sauna and a martial arts room. Other projects include: