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Jack calls attention to Hinesville during debate on National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, Jun 25 -

Jack spoke on the House floor today to discuss the economic impact on the City of Hinesville and Liberty County a recent Army decision to no longer direct a 5th BCT to the area.  To view the colloquy, click below. Transcript after the break... CONGRESSMAN KINGSTON (R/GA-1): I rise today in strong support for the community of Hinesville, Georgia and Liberty County.  I commend the area for their ardent support of our troops and the Army at Fort Stewart which has continuously engaged in the challenging missions in the defense of our nation around the globe. In November of 2007, the Army announced that Ft Stewart would receive another brigade combat team (BCT) using the findings of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closures Commission (BRAC) along with Ft Bliss and Ft Carson.  Since that time, the community, installation and Congress have geared up and invested for that growth.  Working with post leadership and the Pentagon, Congress has appropriated funds for military construction projects such as barracks, buildings, and operation facilities at $154 million for FY 2008 and $352 for FY ‘09.  Clearly the Army has invested greatly to maintain Fort Stewart’s tradition as an award-winning installation of excellence. At the urging of the Army staff and the military leadership on post, the Hinesville community stepped forward to be sure the new troops would have adequate housing and public infrastructure.  The Department of Defense also sent the Office of Economic Adjustment to assist the community to properly prepare for the arrival of a new BCT. Investments were made for new schools, roads and infrastructure.  Banks made many loans to property developers who in turn purchased land and accelerated efforts to provide homes and commercial properties to support the arrival of over 10,000 soldiers and family. However, the decision announced by the Army this June has brought all this economic activity to a halt.  While some of this infrastructure will be used or absorbed in time it is clear that without the arrival of the BCT the city has overbuilt and over-invested.  The economic hardship would not have occurred with the BRAC-based decision to bring additional troops and the Army's insistence that the Hinesville get aggressively involved. The community supporting Ft Stewart still has much to offer for the Army.  I stand here in support of the provisions within this bill that will help address the hardship incurred on the small rural communities that support Ft. Stewart. CONGRESSMAN SKELTON (D/MO-4): Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to respond to the Gentleman from Georgia.  He has a strong record of support and advocacy for Ft. Stewart and our nation's armed forces.  I am pleased to inform that Gentleman that language has been included in this bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to carefully consider the economic impact of this policy change on local communities and to provide the Congress information about the Department's effort to mitigate the negative effects.  This includes a report on any new enduring missions planned for the bases affected including a summary of the Department's plan to lessen the economic hardship or investment loss.  I would be happy to work with the Gentleman and the Secretary of Defense, of course, to consider how to address the negative impact the recent basing decision on the local communities that so strongly support our troops. CONGRESSMAN KINGSTON: I thank the gentleman for his kind words of support for the patriotic and hardworking people in the communities surrounding Ft Stewart and I appreciate the Chairman's support to work with me through this year's National Defense Authorization Act to ensure the Army and local communities can continue to have strong partnerships and the support of the troops.