November 3, 2011 -- The federal government spends approximately $47 billion annually to operate and maintain its facilities -- an estimated $1.6 billion of that is spent on facilities deemed underutilized, excess, or obsolete. Despite the magnitude of annual funds allocated to operating costs, a new National Research Council report says, investments in maintenance and repair have been inadequate for many years, resulting in tens of billions of dollars in deferred projects. The report recommends a coordinated and sustained federal effort to dispose of unneeded facilities, and presents several strategies for more effective investment in order to reduce risks, long-term operating costs, energy and water use, and other environmental impacts.