Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Base Realignment and Closure Summit Focuses on Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A Base Realignment and Closure summit here yesterday continued the discussion of ways to retain and expand the Commonwealth's military installations. Hosted by Gov. Edward G. Rendell, attendees included members of the local defense groups, state legislators, members of the Pennsylvania Base Development Committee and members of the consulting firm hired by the state to assist in the BRAC defense effort, Hurt Norton and Associates.Topics covered at the meeting included an update on the status of the BRAC process, including the proposed two-year delay currently being debated in Congress; an overview of how the Department of Defense evaluates installations and makes recommendations for closure or realignment; and an explanation of how past BRAC Commissions functioned.Governor Rendell noted that there are less than 10 months before President Bush nominates the members of the 2005 BRAC Commission."The remaining time is precious and I want us to be ready," Rendell said. "We must join together and fight to retain and expand each and every one of our military installations. Too much is at stake for us not to. Pennsylvania has lost more than 16,000 jobs as a result of the last four Base Realignment Closure Rounds. We cannot afford to sacrifice even one more."More than 60,000 Pennsylvanians -- including civilian and contractor employees, Active Duty Military, Reserve and National Guard personnel -- work at the 12 Department of Defense and related military facilities in the Commonwealth. These facilities and activities are critical to the economic health and vitality of the state, generating more than $8 billion in payroll, contracts and other indirect economic benefits.Many good-paying and family-sustaining jobs were lost during the four previous BRAC rounds, Rendell said, noting that Pennsylvania has lost more positions than any other state except California."Given Pennsylvania's commitment to the military over the years, it is apparent that we have not been treated fairly," said Rendell. "This time around we're fighting hard to prevent our state's families from bearing this burden."The Pennsylvania Base Development Committee contains 14 senior-level volunteers appointed by Governor Rendell. There are two co-chairs and 12 individuals who represent the 12 installations and organizations within Pennsylvania that could be affected by the BRAC in 2005. The charter of the Committee is to retain all installations and organizations within Pennsylvania, to retain positions and to acquire federal missions to complement existing missions and organizations.Pennsylvania has contracted with Hurt Norton and Associates, a Washington, D.C., consulting firm, to assist with the BRAC process."