After multiple unsuccessful attempts to obtain state grants for a ramp project to connect parts of State Highway 9 on the eastern part of the city to Fort Hood, Copperas Cove officials will now attempt to obtain a federal grant for it. Receiving unanimous approval from the city council, City Manager Ryan Haverlah will submit the grant application to the Department of Defense for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). Prior to Haverlah speaking about the grant, Keith Sledd, executive director of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, told the council why the city qualifies for the grant. The three criteria for qualification for the grant are value to the military, installation resiliency and quality of life.