Rep. Calvert Celebrates BRAC Commission Decision to Retain NSWC, Corona
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Rep. Calvert Celebrates BRAC Commission Decision to Retain NSWC, Corona
Largest California base, in number of jobs, saved from closure
WASHINGTON, DC - On August 24, 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission made a final ruling on the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division. In an unanimous (9-0) vote, the BRAC Commission has removed NSWC, Corona from the list of bases recommended for closure. This vote reversed the single largest base closure action proposed by the Department of Defense for the state of California and preserves the jobs for over 1,000 highly skilled workers.
In response to the vote, Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) issued the following statement:
"I am delighted by the BRAC Commission's unanimous decision today. This is a victory for our local communities, who helped show the Commissioners that the mission must remain in Norco. NSWC, Corona is the Navy's only Independent Assessment site and has a number of unique facilities, which would have been costly to replicate. The Navy's COBRA [Cost of Base Realignment Actions] analysis showed that it would take over 100 years to recoup the costs of relocating NSWC, Corona. This would have been unacceptable, especially considering the damage any move would have had on the military mission performed at the base.
"Keeping NSWC, Corona in Norco is good for the military and good for the community. I would like to thank all the local community groups, including the Inland Empire Installation Support Committee, the Riverside, Corona, and Norco City Councils, the Corona and Norco Chambers of Commerce, all the state representatives, and Brian Oulman at the City of Norco for their successful work on this project."
Calvert emphasized, "Economic development offices nationwide work years to attract these types of high-paying jobs that have just been saved and will remain in our community."
The complete list of closures and realignments will be forwarded to the President, who must either approve or reject it. If he approves it, Congress will have 45 days to either accept or reject the list in its entirety.
NSWC, Corona was listed for closure during the 1995 BRAC process, but was removed from the final list as well.
http://calvert.house.gov/pressreleases.asp?ARTICLE4024=9866