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ARMY Auctions Off Surplus in IL
(IRN)-It's a first for a state agency. U.S. Army equipment from the war in Iraq has been delivered to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, to be sold as part of the agency's federal surplus auctions. This equipment is estimated to be worth $300,000. Items include light sets, portable welders, tool sets, a bobcat skid-loader and 50 foot boom mowers.

CMS property control manager Curtis Howard says this is an historic day. "This is the first time that military equipment, excess to the needs of our war fighters, has been returned to U.S. taxpayers and their communities across the nation," Howard said. Since January, 2009, he says the program has resulted in about $39 million in taxpayer savings through the sales of federal surplus equipment. Surplus items can be bought by local governments, select non-profits and other businesses, and then the general public.

Buyers say it's a great deal. Jeff Bock, Murphysboro police chief, says the equipment and supplies he bought from the surplus auctions were critical when storms knocked out power last year in Southern Illinois. Belleville Boy Scout leader Paul Hellrich says he's bought camping equipment that the group wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford.

(Illinois Radio Network)
11 24 10 by Newsroom
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