Politics & Government

Governor Sends Second Letter to DoD for BRAC Delay

Gov. Bob McDonnell released a July 11 letter to U.S. Sec. of Defense Leon Panetta on Friday.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has released a July 11 letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta requesting a delay to the move of 6,400 federal employees to Alexandria's Mark Center.

The move, which is part of the Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure Act, is currently scheduled to begin September 15, 2011. 

“Virginia is home to a large military community and several strategic installations throughout the state,” McDonnell said in the letter. “We are pleased that our strategic location near the Capitol Region, our quality of life and our pro-military policies have resulted in a significant investment and expansion of our military bases through much of the BRAC process.

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"However, to ensure that these transitions are successfully completed and that they do not result in adverse quality of life impacts and gridlock for commuters and military personnel alike, we must partner with the federal government to ensure our transportation system is prepared to handle the increased traffic before we shift large numbers of new employees to our military bases. That is why I am again asking for better coordination of these DoD efforts with the Commonwealth and a phased-in approach at the Mark Center to ensure a seamless and successful transition.”


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