Coast Guard buildings prompt concern.

Resources devoted to the Coast Guard's Deepwater equipment modernization program may be squeezing the service's ability to upgrade its shore-based infrastructure, according to the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

"There is a growing concern that the resources being devoted by the Coast Guard to its Deepwater program is reducing its ability to maintain and re-capitalize shore side infrastructure critical to its legacy and homeland security missions," said the inspector general's DHS fiscal year 2005 performance and accountability report.

The service occupies more than 21,000 buildings totaling more than 33 million square feet, the report said. Replacement value for the structures would total $7.5 billion. Based on that value--and projected shore infrastructure acquisition, construction and improvement funding levels--recapitalization would take 200 years. The Defense Department, by comparison, has a recapitalization rate for its buildings of about 67 years, according to the report.

In a written response, Homeland Security officials did not address the recapitalization issue. Jeff Murphy, Coast Guard spokesman, said the Deepwater program is upgrading shore-based buildings as it rolls out new systems.

"We're not two separate services," he told National Defense. The debut of the National security cutters, for example, will include all the necessary upgrades to buildings and communications systems needed on land, he said.

Overall, the IG report gave a downbeat assessment of the Coast Guard's ability to implement its homeland security missions, particularly the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.

Management responded that the Coast Guard has been "diligent in its mission to provide the nation with maritime security," pointing out that 500 personnel have been hired to help implement the act.