Fort Riley ? The Department of Defense is making a $23 million investment in the schools at Fort Riley.

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback says the money would be transferred from the defense budget to the U.S. Department of Education.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced the funding Saturday at a town hall meeting at Fort Riley. Gates said the funding request must still be approved by Congress.

If approved, the funds would be used for a new elementary school, as well as upgrades to two other elementary schools and the middle school on post.

KJCK reports that Junction City school superintendent Ron Walker says Gates’ announcement puts school officials about halfway toward their goal of getting the funding approved.