Executive Order 93 - Commission on Virginia Military Bases -Importance of the Commonwealth to Our Nation's Military
Executive Order 93 - Commission on Virginia Military Bases -Importance of the Commonwealth to Our Nation's Military
For well over a century the Commonwealth of Virginia has served this great nation by providing an unparalleled array of military installations and commands, including the Pentagon in Arlington and the world's largest naval base in Norfolk. The military has become an integral part of our Commonwealth, of great importance to our security, our economy, and our civic life. Accordingly, it is with the utmost seriousness that Virginians participate in and work with the current round of the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).
The federal government, charged with a statutory mandate to optimize efficiency throughout our national security establishment, is reviewing the current and future efficacy of military installations throughout the country for potential closure or realignment. Given the critical mission of Virginia's military installations, their proximity to the Nation's Capital at this unique juncture in history, and our homeland security imperative, the importance of Virginia to the nation's national security has never been greater. It is therefore incumbent upon the Commonwealth to ensure that the BRAC Commission and Congress fully understands why, under applicable BRAC statutory standards, the nation continues to be served by Virginia's current military installations and why this state, along with the military missions currently based here, is strategically ideal for the hosting and performance of additional military missions and commands.
To accomplish this, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and by Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby create the Commission on Virginia Military Bases to follow-up on the actions taken by the Commission on Military Bases established under Executive Order Number Forty-nine (2003) and continued under Executive Order Number Seventy-two (2004).
The Commission
The Commission on Virginia Military Bases will be chaired by the Honorable Owen Pickett and the Honorable Joe Reeder. It will consist of members appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure. Initial appointments to the Commission will include 25 members. The Governor may appoint additional persons to the Commission at his discretion.
The Commission's responsibilities shall include the following:
1. Coordinate and facilitate statewide, strategic activities to support Virginia-based military installations throughout the BRAC 2005 process.
2. Identify appropriate opportunities for relocating additional military commands and missions in the Commonwealth.
3. Recommend, as appropriate, additional reasons why, under applicable law, the Commonwealth should retain its existing military installations and commands.
4. Support and foster collaboration among local and regional entities working in response to the base closure process.
5. Provide quality technical assistance regarding the base closure and realignment process timetables, processes, and requirements.
6. Assist Virginia's Congressional Delegation in developing and presenting statutorily relevant facts that underscore the strategic, homeland security, and economic importance of Virginia's military installations to the nation.
7. Inform BRAC 2005 members, and other key federal officials as to state and local facilities and activities that enhance qualify-of-life for the military community of Virginia and the entire National Capital Region.
8. Fully inform the Governor in a timely manner on all pertinent findings and recommendations.
Commission Staffing and Funding
Necessary staff support for the Commission's work during its existence shall be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and other offices and agencies as requested by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. An estimated 3,000 hours of staff time will be required to support the Commission's work.
Necessary funding to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes as the Commission, as authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, as well as the Economic Contingency Fund. Estimated direct costs for this Commission are $100,000.
Commission members shall serve without compensation and shall receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
The Commission shall meet at least quarterly upon the call of the Co-Chairs. The Commission shall report annually to the Governor and shall issue such other reports and recommendations as necessary or as requested by the Governor.
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until July 13, 2006, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 14th day of July 2005.
/S/ Mark R. Warner, Governor
Attest: /S/ Secretary of the Commonwealth
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Executive_Orders/html/EO_93.html