Obama’s proposed budget will reduce spending at Texas military facilities by $440 million

President Obama's budget plan will cut construction programs at Texas military facilities from $1.1 billion to $640 million.

By SOURCE: MySanAntonio.com February 23, 2011

The $3.7 trillion budget blueprint unveiled by President Barack Obama allocates funds for border security but significantly cuts construction programs at Texas military facilities. The proposed budget calls for $640 million in construction projects at Texas posts, far below the $1.1 billion sought last year. San Antonio would receive the lion’s share, with $315 million for Army and Air Force requests at Fort Sam Houston and Lackland AFB. Officials said the reduction in construction projects represents the end of a building boom created by the 2005 base closures and the transfer of Army troops at overseas installations.

“Making these spending cuts will require tough choices and sacrifices,” Obama said.

Although the budget cuts would trim $1.1 trillion from the deficit over a decade, Republicans claim they are not enough to bring federal spending under control. “President Obama’s timid budget proposal represents a missed opportunity to lead,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, adding that Republicans in Congress “are ready to show we are serious about making these tough choices.”

For the military, the budget for Texas projects includes continuing to build the $161 million ambulatory hospital and a $33 million hospital nutrition department at Lackland. Other projects include a $64 million recruit dormitory and a $46 million advanced training barracks at Lackland. A $10 million vehicle maintenance facility is proposed for Fort Sam Houston.

– Edited by Gust Gianos, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, www.csemag.com