In the past, we had to have separate legislation passed every time we tried to do this. Lockard said utilities privatization at Reserve bases will have a minimal effect on manning. For example, most bases have only one full-time utilities specialist to take care of the water, waste water and natural gas systems. Even if these systems are privatized, we will still have to have somebody to take care of things inside facilities making sure faucets don t drip and pipes don t leak, for example. Things like this will not be privatized.
Privatization only covers plants and distribution systems.
Privatization is a sweeping trend in the country right now, Lockard said. And oftentimes, companies find they can save money in the process. A lot of times it proves to be a double-win situation. Ryan said that is exactly what the Air Force is looking for in terms of its privatizing efforts. In some cases it will not work, he said, but in other cases it will.