The United States  Conference of Mayors (USCM) unanimously passed a resolution last week supporting $100 million in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) in next year’s defense appropriations.
The Conference of Mayors’ endorsement for DCIP came during their 87th Annual Meeting in Honolulu after the resolution was advanced by Everett, Wash., Mayor Cassie Franklin.
Approved by Congress in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, full funding of DCIP would provide critical funding for community infrastructure outside the base that has a direct impact on military readiness.
“While military construction dollars provide direct support on base, states and communities often bear the financial burden for off-base infrastructure where on average more than 70% of service members and their families live,” said Tim Ford, CEO of the Association of Defense Communities.
“States and communities have invested billions in infrastructure to support the military over the decade without a comprehensive federal program to support them. Full DCIP funding will change that and make sure national security infrastructure investments in our communities supporting installations are prioritized. We applaud the Conference of Mayors for taking this step.”
The United States Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,408 such cities in the nation today.
Authorized for 10 years as a pilot program, DCIP will support community infrastructure for transportation, schools, hospitals, police, fire, emergency response, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and electric, gas, or other utility infrastructure that are owned by a state or local government. A state/local match will be required except in rural locations.
Congress is currently considering funding for DCIP as part of the fiscal 2020 defense appropriations.