BRAC Community Update
Bridgett Siter
MCOE Public Affairs
Tuesday's monthly Base Realignment and Closure Community Update at the National Infantry Museum drew a crowd of 170, including elected officials anticipating economic growth, local contractors hoping for a shot at construction projects, and a good number of folks inquiring about jobs.
Jay Brown, BRAC program manager, offered the following information:
Post officials announced last week that the first jobs created by the post's transformation to the Maneuver Center of Excellence have been approved and posted online. A conservative estimate puts the number of potential jobs created by the transformation at about 3,000, including Department of the Army civilian positions, private hires and contracts. Though the hiring process has begun, Brown said most of the positions will come available in late next year and into 2011. Those seeking employment should monitor the Civilian Personnel Online Web site at CPOL.army.mil and usajobs.com. The MCOE will stand up in September 2011.
The Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision will be entered into the Federal Register next week. The signing of the ROD, which details practices and policies that will be employed to mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment as a result of the BRAC build-up, clears the way for the remainder of the 2009 construction projects to move forward on schedule.
Brown reminded the audience that an estimated 30,000 Armor School cadre, family members and civilian employees will move to the Chattahoochee Valley area to support the MCO
E. They will begin to "trickle in" next year, he said, but the majority will not arrive until 2011. The number of on-post houses will not increase, so local housing markets will see an increased demand.
Al Gelineau, director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, spoke briefly at the update. He showed the audience a rendering of an 860-room lodge that will be constructed on Main Post and opened in 2012. The hotel will replace most of the older lodging facilities on post.
The next BRAC Community Update will start at 3 p.m. Sept. 1 in the first-floor classroom at the National Infantry Museum. As always, it is free and open to the public. After the update, Brown will open the meeting for questions. For more information, call 706-545-6169.
August 7, 2009
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