Laurinburg Exchange - September 8, 2010
The President's Economic Adjustment Committee met this week to update progress and discuss local concerns on the upcoming move of U.S. Army Forces Command and Reserve Command to Fort Bragg.
U.S. Reps. Larry Kissell and Bob Etheridge requested the meeting of Department of Defense and other Federal agency officials in response to requests made by constituents.
"The people of this region deserve straight talk about BRAC and what is being done to help the region with this transition," said Kissell. "The government has a responsibility to help the communities around Fort Bragg prepare for this move, and to communicate with them as to the progress being made to upgrade schools and infrastructure to handle the influx of new residents.
The congressmen said there are concerns regarding local school districts' ability to receive the influx of students, the stress of an increased number of vehicles on already congested roads, economic development, and water and sewer concerns.
“The federal government is bringing soldiers here, and has a responsibility to support the quality-of-life for soldiers, their families, and the local community," said Etheridge. “We need bigger roads, expanded water and sewer capacity, and more schools for the children of our nations warriors.”
Under current law, the Economic Adjustment Committee can provide direct funding for planning, and coordinates with federal agencies to find money for implementation of plans.
Etheridge successfully added an amendment to the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act that allows the EAC to provide grants to communities directly for the implementation of plans, including construction.
This bill has passed the U.S. House of Representatives but awaits action in the Senate.
"I believe that by having a frank discussion with key decision makers about what needs to be done we have moved this whole project forward. Now we have to finish the job." Kissell said.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide BRAC program stakeholders, local, state and elected officials with updated knowledge of issues surrounding mission growth and to assess local and state capacities to absorb and support projected/actual service growth.