Utah’s US senators concerned over funding for projects

FILE - In this Aug. 23, 2019 file photo, workers break ground on new border wall construction about 20 miles west of Santa Teresa, N.M. Construction on a Pentagon-funded portion of the border wall began near Yuma, Arizona, this week, just as federal authorities announced they are diverting even more defense funds for wall projects. Crews began constructing a 30-foot steel fence along the Colorado River this week. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio, File)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah’s U.S. senators say about $54 million in funding for two projects at Hill Air Force Base has been diverted to aid construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee have expressed concerns over the decision after the Air Force alerted them Wednesday.

Officials say the diversion affects $26 million for a Composite Aircraft Antenna Calibration Facility and $28 million from the Utah Test and Training Range Consolidated Mission Control Center.

Senators say the projects would maintain national defense readiness.

Officials say Congress could restore funding in the 2020 budget cycle.

Pentagon officials say about $3.6 billion from military projects would be redirected to build 175 miles (282 kilometers) of the southern border wall in response to President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration.

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