GOVERNOR TAFT, OHIO LEADERS UNITE TO FIGHT FOR DEFENSE JOBS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft, members of the All-Ohio Task Force to Save Defense Jobs and federal, state and local leaders joined forces in Columbus today to stress the importance of defense jobs to Ohio’s economy. The rally comes just prior to the start of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

“During the past year, I have visited each of Ohio’s major Defense Installations and their surrounding communities,” said Taft. “I’ve seen first hand the tremendous military value our defense installations provide, not only for protecting and securing American interests abroad, but also shaping the future of our military and assisting the Department of Homeland Security in the protection of the Citizens of the Great State of Ohio.”

Today’s event was held to send a clear message that Ohio strongly supports its military presence and that communities across Ohio are united in their efforts to retain all of Ohio’s military installations. It included an overview by the All-Ohio Task Force to Save Defense Jobs on the military’s impact in Ohio and the BRAC process, and featured the efforts of eight local communities whose efforts to save their facilities are being helped by $2.5 million in grants from the Ohio Department of Development. Those communities, who provided booth displays and short presentations, are Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Lima, Mansfield, Springfield, Toledo and Youngstown.

The All-Ohio Task Force has been actively working across Ohio to support the potentially affected communities and bases. As military value is the primary BRAC Criteria, the Task Force has focused on understanding and communicating the military value of Ohio installations. These communications have focused on Pentagon decision makers and legislators, as well as local areas around the bases. Task Force members have spoken to past BRAC commissioners to understand the best way to communicate Ohio’s message.

Taft complimented the efforts of the All-Ohio Task Force and the local communities, saying, “It is clear that in Ohio we are united in our resolve to keep all Ohio defense installations viable well into the future. I firmly believe that between the efforts of the state, our local communities and our Congressional delegation, we’re doing everything we can to preserve our military assets and the jobs they represent.”

The next six months represent the critical phase of the BRAC process. On May 16, the Department of Defense presents the BRAC Commission with its recommended changes. The Commission, to be announced by President Bush on March 15, then has until September 8, to present its recommendations to the President. If there are no further recommendations by the President, September 23 is the last day the President can submit BRAC recommendations to the Congress.

Nationwide, since 1988, Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commissions have recommended the closure of 125 major military facilities and 225 minor military bases and installations, and the realignment in operations and functions of 145 others. In 2001, Congress authorized a new round of military base closings for 2005 that is expected to save more than $3 billion and close up to 25% of US capacity in military installations.