Maryland Scores Net Gain of 9,293 Personnel
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 13, 2005) – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today received the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. Initial reviews indicate that Maryland earned a net gain of 9,293 civilian and military personnel, faring better than any other state in the nation in attracting new personnel and preserving the existing workforce at Maryland military installations.
“Initial reviews indicate an extremely positive net outcome for Maryland,” said Governor Ehrlich. “This is a testament to the exceptional work of the Maryland Military Installation Strategic Planning Council, the military alliances, communities, local elected officials, Members of Congress, and many others that contributed to this team effort. This announcement, which comes after years of planning in state government, reaffirms the central role our military installations play in the war on terror.”
“We welcome the increased military presence coming to the State and are excited for the prospects that come with our expansions. Our preparations leading up to this time have positioned us very well for these changes. We will have more information in the coming weeks and we will continue to fight for the facilities and communities affected by the BRAC process.”
“The increased migration of these missions to our state means more high-paying jobs for Marylanders and greater economic stability,” said Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Secretary Aris Melissaratos. “We have been preparing for this situation for several years now and will continue to support all affected communities.”
“The BRAC Commission will begin their review of the DoD list, hold 15 public hearings around the country, and perform site visits to all that are on the list. The Maryland Military Council will continue to be active in this process, and we are eager to tell our story to the appropriate decision-makers as the process moves forward,” said BGen J. Michael Hayes USMC (Ret.), Director of DBED's Office of Military Affairs. “With the release of the list, we can effectively organize the resources available to us to address the BRAC impacts.”
In response to the BRAC's recommendation on Warfield Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Major General Bruce F. Tuxill, Adjutant General of the Maryland Military Department, will recommend to the BRAC commission a comprehensive plan to realign ANG facilities in the region to maintain certain operations at Warfield. General Tuxill will work closely with Governor Ehrlich, the BRAC Commission, and Maryland's congressional delegation to demonstrate the value of retaining the Warfield ANG Base.
Shortly after assuming office in 2003, Governor Ehrlich worked with state lawmakers to create the Maryland Military Installation Strategic Planning Council to bring together key state agency heads, state legislators, local officials and private executives with both military and private sector experience. The Governor tasked the Council with executing a strategy to further economic development in areas that are home to military bases, regardless of the outcome of the BRAC list.
Since its establishment, the Council has helped draft legislation to assist communities with base decisions. A series of summits were then held throughout the state to assemble local governments, economic development interests, academic institutions, private industry, and those with military experience to meet with state agencies that would be involved in preparations.