TOMAH, WI (WSAU) – Preparations are underway to house refugees from Afghanistan at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
WISN-TV reports that busses that would transport refugees are already staged at the base near Tomah. The bus company reportedly has a six-month contract and would provide around-the-clock service between the fort and whichever airport the Afghans arrive at.
It’s unclear when any refugees would arrive in Wisconsin, how many would be coming, or how long they would stay.
The Department of Defense has said up to 23,000 people who cooperated with U.S. forces and worked as translators may be coming out of Afghanistan. It’s unclear how many might reach the airport in Kabul to be evacuated. Negotiations may continue with the Taliban over the next few weeks.
Fort McCoy would provide temporary housing until local charity groups find permanent living arrangements. At Fort McCoy, the afghans would be housed in barracks that are normally used for active-duty troops.
Other bases that would be used are Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Bliss in Texas, and Fort Lee in Virginia.
