Defense, Transportation Funding to Rise in Appropriations Deal

Statement

Today, congressional appropriators released a bipartisan spending deal that will increase federal spending in Hawai"i for fiscal year 2016. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai"i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, advanced Hawai"i priorities during committee consideration this year, which are now reflected in the final deal. Overall, defense spending in Hawai"i will increase by more than $200 million, and transportation funding will increase by nearly $10 million.

"I'm pleased we were able to help secure an across-the-board increase in federal investments for Hawai"i," said Senator Schatz. "I know that people are paying particular attention to defense and transportation, and we did exceptionally well there."

Military construction in Hawai"i is fully funded at $444 million. These important investments are approximately $200 million above last year's funding level, a reflection that the Department of Defense (DoD) is continuing to invest in the facilities, capabilities, and infrastructure that are necessary in Hawai"i to support the rebalance to the Asia Pacific.

Hawai"i highway and transportation funding will increase 13 percent by 2020. In addition to $250 million for the Honolulu rail project, Hawai"i is receiving annual increases in funding for roads, bridges, buses, and bike paths to reduce congestion, make our roads safer and our communities more walkable.

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