Release of DoD Recovery Act Projects
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides $7.4 billion to the Department largely for projects that are located at Defense installations spread across all fifty states, District of Columbia and two U.S. territories.
On March 20, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its first report of projects to be funded by the ARRA. This plan contains $2.3 billion in construction projects, including two major hospital construction projects: Camp Pendleton, California; Fort Hood, Texas; and a hospital alteration project at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. The plan also contains $3.4 billion for nearly 3,000 facility repair and improvement projects that will immediately generate additional employment in communities around Defense installations. Furthermore, the plan details how $300 million for near-term energy technology research will be allocated.
On April 28, 2009, the DoD announced details of more than 850 additional facility improvement projects funded by the ARRA. The $835 million budget for these new projects represents the remaining funds of the first ARRA infrastructure investment list announced on March 20, 2009. These projects will be conducted at Army and Army National Guard facilities in 37 states and the District of Columbia. More than half of the $835 million will be spent in five states: Texas ($155 million), Kentucky ($83 million), North Carolina ($83 million), Oklahoma ($66 million) and Hawaii ($59 million). In addition to making much-needed improvements to military installations, an additional $346 million will be spent on energy-related projects, enabling the DoD to lead the way in the national effort to achieve greater energy independence.
- Department of Defense Expenditure Plans – March 20, 2009 Report | (PDF)
- Department of Defense Expenditure Plans – April 28, 2009 Report | (PDF)
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Background on the Recovery Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes approximately $7.4 billion in Defense-related appropriations, which account for less than 1 percent of the total $787 billion stimulus package signed on February 17 by President Obama. The Department intends to spend this funding with full transparency and accountability.
As stated on recovery.gov, the purpose of the Recovery Act is to create and save jobs, jumpstart our economy, and build the foundation for long-term economic growth. In order to fulfill these objectives, the Department intends to execute Defense-related funds as quickly as possible:
- Facility Infrastructure Investment – $4.26 billion to upgrade thousands of Department buildings, including energy-related improvements and upgrades to military medical facilities
- Military Construction – $2.18 billion for new construction, including $1.33 billion for hospitals
- Energy Conservation Investment – $120 million for improving the energy efficiency of existing facilities
- Near Term Energy Efficiency Technology Demonstrations and Research – $300 million to develop energy-efficient technologies
- Homeowners Assistance – $555 million for a temporary expansion of assistance to qualified military and civilian personnel who suffer financial loss on the sale of their primary residence
Appropriations in this bill are available for obligation through the end of fiscal 2010, and through the end of fiscal 2013 for military construction.
The Recovery Act funding addresses some of the unique economic pressures faced by American service members because of their voluntary commitment to serve our nation. Specific investment in military construction will further President Obama’s goal of providing stimulus to the economy while helping to improve the quality of life for our troops and their families. In addition to providing much needed facility improvements, this bill also provides more funding for our important energy research programs so that the Department can continue to lead the way in the national effort to achieve greater energy independence.
