WASHINGTON, March 16 (UPI) -- The Air Force budget for infrastructure in 2008 is $5.2 billion, but its wish list to Congress costs more than twice as much.
The multi-billion dollar difference between the proposed budget and the unfunded priorities list represents what is affordable next year and what is not, an Air Force spokeswoman said, according to a report by Air Force Times on Thursday.
Like all departments, the Air Force has to prioritize, and the 2008 budget reflects the primary goals of the Air Force: Fighting and winning the global war on terror, taking good care of airmen and their families, and beginning a significant effort to modernize and recapitalize the United States Air Force's weapon systems.
The unfunded priorities list "identifies the outstanding needs of the (Air Force) that do not fit within our top line funding," Maj. Morshe Dayan Araujo added.
The UPL comprises construction projects that would be undertaken during fiscal 2008 if the funds were available, Araujo said. If the UPL projects are not accomplished, they are reconsidered when formulating the next year's budget.
The $5.2 billion budget sets aside the largest portion of funds for new operations and maintenance facilities for projects related to medical care and the arrival of the F-22A and the F-35 fighter aircraft.
One of largest chunks of the budget goes to family housing. The Air Force will spend $1 billion, which is a $900 million decrease from fiscal 2007 because private contractors now cover a greater proportion of family housing.
Another large portion of the budget is for construction projects linked to moves recommended by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission at more than two dozen bases.
