Gov. Gregoire, Rep. Larsen, Washington congressional delegation make case for Washington's military bases to BRAC Commission

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2005 � Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and the Washington state congressional delegation sent a report today to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) outlining the military value of Washington state military installations.

The governor and the entire congressional delegation signed the letter accompanying the report, urging the commission to adhere to the BRAC criteria and put military value first when they consider the initial base closure list. That list will be released by the Department of Defense in May.

In February, Larsen and members of the congressional delegation delivered a copy of the report to Pentagon officials when they joined Gov. Gregoire for meetings there to discuss the BRAC process. The military-value report resulted from a collaborative effort between Washington state congressional offices, the governor and local communities.

�Washington�s military bases are huge economic engines for our state,� Gov. Gregoire said. �But, more importantly, they are strategically placed to enhance our national security and protect our nation�s interests throughout the Pacific Rim. We can�t afford to lose these bases economically or strategically.�

�Once again, Washington state�s leaders � in Congress and at home � are working together and speaking with one voice in support of our state�s military value,� Larsen said. �This report shows the BRAC commissioners that Washington state provides important military value now and can expand our assets and capabilities in the future.�

The delegation�s letter accompanying the report reads: �Washington state soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are our national treasure. They are serving bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have recently played a central role with tsunami relief in Southern Asia. We are proud of those who serve, and we are proud of the unique network of capable installations that our state provides in their support.�

Delegation members signing the letter included: U.S. Sen. Patty Murray; U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell; U.S. Reps. Norm Dicks, Jim McDermott, Doc Hastings, Jay Inslee, Adam Smith, Brian Baird, Cathy McMorris and Dave Reichert.

By law, the Secretary of Defense must submit to Congress and the BRAC Commission by May 16, 2005, a list of bases that he recommends for closure or realignment.