Federal Surplus Equipment Program Saves Illinois Taxpayers $39 M

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) today announced the state will receive more than $300,000 worth of equipment from the U.S. Army's operations in Iraq through the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Federal Surplus Donation Program.  Since January 1, 2009, the program has resulted in approximately $39 million in taxpayer savings through reutilized federal surplus equipment by 1,827 Illinois organizations.  Property is donated by the federal government to Illinois, and provided at significantly discounted prices to recipient organizations and local governments by the state.

"Reutilizing government property makes sense, and benefits states and organizations facing economic recovery challenges and dwindling resources," said CMS Director James P. Sledge.  "With the help of the U.S. Army and GSA's Donation Program, Illinois communities can keep government property in use as long as possible, extending both the life of usable equipment and the impact of taxpayer dollars."

Recipients of the surplus equipment include public health and safety organizations, law enforcement, schools, and not-for-profit organizations.  In addition, Illinois small businesses have been allocated $2.6 million worth of equipment to help them retain and create jobs.

"The federal surplus property donation program, administered in Illinois through CMS, helps recycle federal tax dollars by making sure property is being used through the end of its life cycle," said Curtis Howard, manager of CMS Property Control and President of the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property (NASASP).  "We are proud to assist Illinois communities and small businesses with needed equipment."

Illinois has received emergency light sets, a bobcat skid-loader, and 50-ft boom mowers.  Other items in transit include power tools, hand tools, tool sets, portable welders, air compressors, floor lifts, brake lathes, and pipe threader machines.

"The surplus items we have received have allowed us to stretch our budget dollars and focus on expanding our business, keeping our current and hiring new employees," said Loretta Molter, President, Molter Corporation.  "The program has been a great success, and we are thankful for this federal and state assistance."

NASASP represents 67,000 organizations and works with the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure that property paid for by U.S. taxpayers is returned for continued use to states and local governments, public safety (fire and police), veterans' homes, 8(a) small businesses, homeless shelters, food banks and other eligible recipients.  Nearly $4 million dollars in surplus federal equipment from operations in Iraq, including cement mixers, high output generators and forklifts, were among the first items to be distributed to states across the nation.