Construction Contractors Reportedly "Drooling" Over Prospects

The military's plan to base eight C-17 transport aircraft at Hickam AFB in Hawaii will reportedly boost the local economy by more than $150 million.

The Pacific Business News reports plumbers, electricians and carpenters were already lining up for jobs related to the transport planes' arrival.

Last week, Congress approved $25 million for initial work to accommodate the new arrivals. The C-17s should be in Hawaii by the end of next year. Their mission will be to transport troops and equipment to anywhere in the Pacific Rim within 24 hours.

The movement of the C-17 transports to Hawaii marks the first time that particular type of aircraft will be stationed outside the continental US, according to USAF Col. Raymond Torres.

But before they arrive, they'll need hangars and other support structures. Enter the carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce figures it this way: For every $1.8 billion the military spends in the Aloha State, about $123 million goes to the local construction industry. For every $1 billion the military spends, the construction industry adds 1,131 jobs, according to the Pacific Business News.

FMI: www.af.mil