Review of the Navy's Fiscal Year 1978 Appropriation Request for Trident Support Facilities Construction Program

The Navy's fiscal year 1978 appropriation request to construct support facilities at Bangor, Washington, for Trident submarines was reviewed, including the $109.4 million for 14 different Trident-related construction projects and $11.5 million for increased municipal facilities and services resulting from the Trident support base.

The need for on-base retail facilities (estimated to cost $4.8 million) was questioned, since a substantial number of retail outlets currently exist close to the base. The Navy overstated its request by about $1.1 million, as the facilities requested exceed Defense Department and Navy space allowances. The Navy has shown no convincing economic reasons for not deferring funding of explosive handling wharf #2 (estimated cost $26.3 million); based on its scheduled use, this project could be deferred. A questionable note for postcontract award services overstated the request by about $0.9 million. About $1.7 million in prior funds had not been allocated to specific projects; these could be made available to this request. (Author/DJM)