DeLauro Receives Clarification from Army on Middletown Reserve Center

Statement

DeLauro Receives Clarification from Army on Middletown Reserve Center

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) received a letter (attached) from Army Secretary Pete Geren in response to her August 20, 2008 letter (to view the letter, please click here)posing several questions about the Armed Forces Reserve Center.

"I am encouraged by the Secretary Geren's willingness to work with the Middletown community as we move forward with the siting and construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. In its response, the Army maintains that the language is clear on Middletown as the location; that the criteria will include price, sufficient buildable area, site access, environmental issues, zoning and construction cost; that the Army needs to acquire suitable property in time to complete the project before the 15 September 2011 BRAC-imposed deadline; and that the Army Corps of Engineers will need to get the environmental permits necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act. With this letter we have a clear understanding of where the Army is coming from and this should offer some additional guidance for the officials and residents of Middletown in how we proceed on the Center.

"It is through open communication that we can ensure the community is fully involved in this process and provides Middletown's citizens with greater input. Clearly, we all want to avoid the frustration that was experienced earlier this year. This week's public meeting will provide both the Army Corps and the citizens of Middletown the opportunity to review and discuss those sites which have been recommended by the Mayor's advisory panel."

The DeLauro letter to Army Secretary Pete Geren addressed several questions raised during the meeting Tuesday, August 19, 2008 about the Armed Forces Reserve Center between the United States Army Corps of Engineers, including, Colonel Keith Landry, Commander of the Corps' Louisville District, elected officials and members of the community. In advance of the August 27, 2008 public meeting on the Center, DeLauro requested legal clarification regarding the location parameters outlined in the BRAC language and previous correspondence with the Corps, the definition of suitable, and timing for determining a suitable location; as well as what environmental permits and approvals are necessary to move forward with the project.

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