Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet today announced over $94 million for Colorado's military construction and facility improvement projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The primary purpose of the funds is to create jobs, as well as make much-needed improvements to Colorado's military installations, including child development centers, upgrades to building facilities and energy conservation measures.

"Colorado's military installations are the pride of our state, but in order to continue to provide world-class training and quality of life for our soldiers and airmen, we need to keep these facilities in good condition. These economic recovery funds will support needed improvements and additions to Colorado's military installations, even as these investments work to create jobs and help kick the economy back into gear," Udall said.

"Colorado is home to many of the country's finest military installations, and they play a vital role in our nation's defense. This funding will help ensure that our state's facilities are maintained and improved while at the same time spurring economic activity that will create good-paying jobs," Bennet said.

"This significant investment in upgrades to aging infrastructure at Buckley and our other fine military bases will create good paying jobs in our area. Modernizing our bases helps our servicemen and women do their jobs better. Particularly with energy conservation, this investment is good for our national security, good for the climate and good for jobs," Perlmutter said.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Recovery Act funds will go to over six different military installations in Colorado, including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Academy, Buckley Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Schriever Air Force Base, and several other installations. The funds are intended to help create jobs and stimulate the American economy, while improving the quality of life for service members, their families, and DoD civilian workers.

Below is how the money will breakdown across the state:

• Fort Carson- $27 million
• Peterson Air Force Base - $30 million
• Air Force Academy- $18.5 million
• Buckley Air Force Base - $8.5 million
• Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station - $5 million
• Schriever Air Force Base - $3 million
• Other Installations: $2.3 million

TOTAL: $94.3 million

To view a complete list of the specific projects announced today, please visit http://www.defenselink.mil/recovery/plans_reports/2009/march/ARRA_DoD_Expenditure_Plans.pdf.