Cannon to receive stimulus funds Published March 26, 2009 By Staff Report 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Cannon will receive $26.4 million to fund projects including the construction of a Child Development Center as part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act spending bill signed by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17. "We at Cannon are very excited to receive this additional funding to both replace aging infrastructure and add additional infrastructure to our base," said Col. Ruedi Kaspar, 27th Special Operations Wing vice commander. "Not only will it allow us to accommodate our expanding Air Force Special Operations Command mission here, but it will also allow us to greatly improve the quality of life for our most importance resource--our Airmen and their families." The CDC here will receive $12 million in funds and is expected to be completed by 2011. Currently, it is planned to be built on base across from the base clinic and will include modern playgrounds, surveillance cameras, and training rooms, according to Ms. Denise Vanderwarker, the base Airman and family services flight chief. In addition, the new CDC will allow for the care of almost 160 children, more than double the number of children the current CDC cares for. "Our Airmen are often deployed and work long hours even when they are at home station," said Lt. Col. Mark Brown, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group deputy commander. "The least we can do is ensure that they know their families are safe and comfortable, and the new CDC is one part of making that happen." "We certainly appreciate the support of our New Mexico congressional delegation, Senators Bingaman and Udall and Congressman Lujan, for their help in bringing these stimulus funds to Cannon," added Colonel Brown. Another $12.8 million was set aside for base improvements such as roof repairs and changes to the water, sewer and electric lines on base., Chavez West family housing will also receive $1.7 million for improvements such as the addition of wood privacy fencing and new carbon-monoxide/smoke detectors in each housing unit. Hurlburt Field, Fla., will receive nearly $17.9 million in funds, for a total of nearly $44.4 million for Air Force Special Operations Command's two wings. The ARRA provides approximately $1 billion in additional funding for facility sustainment and repairs at Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve installations. These projects will improve roofs, utility systems, pavements and operational facilities, as well as improve energy efficiency Overall, the Department of Defense will receive $7.4 billion in defense-related appropriations, which less than one percent of the total stimulus package.