by The Free Lance-Star Editorials Editor

With the Base Realignment and Closing Commission's recommendations now in the rear-view mirror, there's been a collective sigh of relief in the Rappahannock region. Not only was Dahlgren spared, but Quantico is slated to see some 3,000 additional jobs.

The BRAC process was created to help base-closing decisions emanate from an objective process, rather than the pork-barrel maneuverings of Congress. This round of base closings started at the end of December 2003. The commission began its work in the spring, studying the economic and tactical feasibility of shifting defense resources around. Now, its report goes to the Pentagon. If approved, it will go to the White House and then Congress, for a simple, thumbs-up or -down, no-tinkering vote.

Assuming approval of the BRAC recommendations (which is not a guarantee), the Rappahannock region will be in good stead. For that, we can thank our Capitol Hill representatives and some local groups, including the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Two years ago, foreseeing the impact base closings could have on the economy in this area, the Chamber began to look for a strategy to fight changes. Chamber President Linda Worrell recognized there was some homework to do. "We didn't have an organized infrastructure to support the bases. We didn't know the value of the bases," she says. After a consultant completed an economic analysis, that value was found to be substantial: one-third of the local work force and $1.2 billion are directly attributable to defense spending.

Next step: to tell the stories of the bases to legislators, defense officials, and the community at large. With the aid of 100 volunteers and the support of all five local governments plus other organizations, the picture was painted, the message received, and lo and behold, the BRAC decisions made were favorable to our area.

The regional cooperation in the BRAC effort was outstanding, reports Ms. Worrell, as was the assistance received from Gov. Warner, Sens. Warner and Allen, and Rep. Jo Ann Davis.

All in all, it was a good show; one which will pay off in economic stability for our area for years to come. For that, we can be grateful.

Date published: 9/4/2005

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