Here's an upcoming $4 billion dollar expense to keep the Empire going

[unhappycamper]

Seven companies earn right to bid on Guam construction jobs
By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Friday, May 14, 2010

TOKYO — Seven U.S.-based companies will get a shot at $4 billion worth of construction work related to the proposed military expansion on Guam, according to the Navy engineering command in the Pacific.

The contract — the largest ever awarded by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific — gives the companies and joint venture groups the sole right to compete for money to build barracks, piers, utility grids, aircraft hangars and other facilities needed for the massive buildup plan, according to Don Rochon, spokesman for the engineering command.

This week’s announcement does not immediately give the companies any construction money toward the buildup. The expansion plan includes moving in 8,600 U.S. Marines from Okinawa, dredging the island’s main port to host visits from aircraft carriers and installing an Army air defense unit.

Instead, the "multi-award construction contract" pre-approves the seven companies to bid on future jobs associated with the buildup. Those jobs will involve specific construction projects ranging from $15 million to $300 million each, Rochon said Tuesday.

Before any construction money is spent, the Navy must finalize its environmental assessment — a complex "impact statement" that has drawn scrutiny from local and federal leaders.