State Report released
3/3/2008 2:36 PM
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March 3, 2008 . Report Calls Willow Grove Plan "Innovative;" Can Accomplish
Security and Preparedness Goals
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Back to 2008
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PUBLIC MEETING TO BE SCHEDULED IN HORSHAM LATER THIS MONTH
HARRISBURG - Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that a feasibility analysis and needs assessment report
points toward the success of a proposed joint interagency base at the site of the Naval Air Station Joint
Reserve Base (NASJRB) Willow Grove in Horsham Township.
"When the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of a joint interagency installation at Willow Grove last
May, the Commonwealth moved forward to obtain a report describing options for the footprint of a new
installation as well as the cost effectiveness and fiscal feasibility of this concept," said Governor Rendell.
"The report represents an important step forward in making our vision for a robust, cost-effective and
efficient interagency installation a reality."
The report, submitted by L. Robert Kimball and Associates to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
includes a business plan outlining the operations of the joint installation, options for the optimum
installation footprint and consideration of numerous infrastructure and planning issues. The report finds:
• A partnership involving the Commonwealth, the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal, state, local
governments and associated users is both innovative and entirely workable.
• The Willow Grove/Horsham Joint Interagency Installation has tremendous potential to accomplish the national
defense, homeland security, and emergency preparedness missions that are so important to our state and nation.
The 111th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard will continue to be based at Willow Grove.
• The installation has the location, land and facilities to attract a wide mix of government and associated
users, and that the installation can become self-sustaining after a six or seven year start-up period.
"This report examines the interagency installation concept from a high-level perspective and it identifies
options and describes issues that will need to be addressed as this process moves forward," said Maj. Gen.
Jessica L. Wright, the state's adjutant general. "The report will be a valuable tool for Governor Rendell and
members of his staff as we work with the Navy, Air Force and local government on this vital project."
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs plans to conduct a public town hall meeting to brief members of
the community on the Willow Grove/Horsham Joint Interagency Installation Implementation Plan report. The public
meeting will be scheduled in Horsham later this month.
In May 2005, the Department of Defense recommended closure of NASJRB Willow Grove and deactivation of the 111th
Fighter Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
After a court fight mounted by Governor Rendell and strenuous efforts to convince the BRAC Commission to
reverse the DoD recommendation, the decision was made that, while the Navy portion of the installation would
close or be realigned, the Air National Guard and other reserve component units would remain at the
installation.
In May 2007, Congress enacted legislation to provide for the Navy to transfer its property at Willow Grove to
the Air Force to establish a joint interagency installation for use by the Pennsylvania National Guard, other
Department of Defense components, government entities and associated users to support national defense,
homeland security and emergency preparedness missions. As a result of this legislation, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania agreed in principle to partner with the Air Force to make the joint installation a reality.
The full report is available on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Web site at www.dmva.state.pa.us.
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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our
most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find
out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit
www.governor.state.pa.us.
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