Sen. Tillis surveys Florence-related damage to Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, Onslow County — Camp Lejeune officials say $3.6 million is needed overall to cover the costs of military construction and repairs to damaged buildings plus other expenses from Hurricane Florence.

On Thursday night, Congress approved $400 million in appropriations for the base. That money will last until August. On Friday, Sen. Thom Tillis and Arkansas Sen. John Boozman surveyed the damage aboard Camp Lejeune to ensure that appropriations continue to come on schedule.

A total of 137 buildings on base need to be demolished and 43 purpose-built buildings will also be constructed. Officials say the repairs will reduce the base's overall building footprint and that means less energy will be used. Tillis said it's about helping those who defend our country.

"Get relief to people who need it, particularly when you're talking about men and women in the Marines and their families that are down here," Tillis said. "Some of them are still displaced. This is not the time to play politics or play perfect."

The base estimates that all demolition and construction will take roughly 3-4 years. Camp Lejeune officials hope to receive an additional $400 million in August to continue their efforts in fixing damages caused by the hurricane.