The $20 million for Hill Air Force Base includes $8.4 million to build an aircraft power systems repair facility, $8.4 million to build a hydraulic flight control facility and $3.2 million for a reserve wing support facility. Bishop's defense counsel Steve Petersen said these are all new construction projects for the base.

The bill also included the first $5 million of a $25 million housing update project at Dugway Proving Ground. The money will fund updates for 32 housing units and "represents that start of a significant reinvestment into the quality of life and infrastructure for Dugway," according to Bishop's office.

The Ogden Air Logistics Center could receive $2 million for science engineering and laboratory data programs, which will reduce duplication throughout the depot system.

The Utah Army National Guard will get $12.1 million for a new armory or "readiness reserve center" in North Salt Lake.

"These programs demonstrate Utah is on the front lines and the cutting edge when it comes to our national defense and security," Bishop said. "Our installations and personnel are second to none and the money authorized for our state will be good, not just for our economy, but for our future security and preparedness."

The bill also approved $10 million for supersonic cruise missile engine testing, which will help Williams International in Ogden, which makes the engines. Petersen said this seed money is important because Williams pioneers the technology and the United States has been falling behind India and Russia in missile advancements.

The bill also fully funds the F-22 and F-35 programs as requested by the White House and funds pay raises and bonus pay for active duty and reserve forces, according to a press release.

It also approved $2.4 billion for the C-17 Globemaster Aircraft. While this full amount will not come directly to Utah, Petersen said Boeing, ATK, and other companies with operations in the state build major parts of the new plane, so their businesses will be affected.

The Tooele Army Depot was approved to build a $3.4 million recycling facility that turns munitions into fertilizers.

Bishop had an amendment to the bill that makes the department study how to stop bases from having different rules on partnering with private companies. He would rather see standard rules throughout so companies would find it easier to work with depots.

"This will help the depot to be more competitive and bring work to the depot," Bishop said.

In a policy change based on a concern raised by a constituent, Bishop inserted language that would make the Defense Department continue to allow access commissary and base exchanges to spouses and dependents of veterans deemed 100 percent disabled, even if the determination comes after the veteran has died.

Petersen said the office had received complaints that spouses or children were being denied access to commissary and base exchanges because the government declared their spouse or parent 100 percent disabled posthumously, when often the backlog of cases delayed action on the veteran's status.

---

Contributing: Associated Press

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com