WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a meeting with staff from
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin, Barbara A. Mikulski, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger’s (all D-Md.) offices, U.S. Army representatives today confirmed the Army’s commitment to the successful implementation of the 2005 BRAC recommendation to close Fort Monmouth in Monmouth County, New Jersey and create a C4ISR Center of Excellence at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Harford County, Maryland.
Army Materiel Command has developed a step-by-step timeline for moving assets into Maryland and a detailed funding plan to support these moves while ensuring no disruption in support for the warfighter. Maryland’s federal delegation, working closely with state and local officials as Team Maryland, stands ready to provide whatever support the Army requires to ensure that this transition is completed successfully and on-time.
“The Army is committed to executing the closure of Fort Monmouth in accordance with BRAC 2005 law and ensuring we are doing all possible to support the Global War on Terrorism and other critical contingency operations,” said Kathryn A. Condon, Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command.
“The BRAC recommendations were great news for Maryland and the nation. We won this based on mission and merit. The recommendations are a testament to the strength of Maryland’s military bases, our military and the communities that support them,” said Senator Mikulski. “As Chair of the Maryland congressional delegation, I will continue to lead our members through the state’s BRAC implementation. Working with Governor Martin O’Malley, our state legislature and our County Executives, I want to make sure Maryland gets the resources our communities need to accommodate the thousands of jobs and families coming to our state.”
“The 2005 BRAC recommendations were based on a comprehensive and complete review process that was begun in 2001,” said Senator Cardin. “Its recommendations will strengthen the military’s ability to face any possible challenges in the future. BRAC has determined that the APG has the facilities and resources to enhance the military’s mission in the 21st Century. Maryland is working to ensure the efficient and timely transition.”
“Maryland was chosen to receive these new jobs from Fort Monmouth fair and square in a process insulated from everyday politics. The fight between Fort Monmouth and Aberdeen Proving Ground is over. It is time we move forward with this BRAC plan. Our mission is to support the warfighter without disruption and continue to protect our national security. We will ensure this happens in Maryland,” said Congressman Ruppersberger.
The 2005 BRAC recommendations will bring thousands of new employees to the state. This includes 10,000 new jobs that will never leave the country, in addition to 85,000 existing jobs on bases and up to 40,000 non-direct jobs.
