I want to share an opportunity to provide input that could affect the region's future. As Gateway Region residents are well aware, Fort Lee is a vital component to the region's economy, which means military downsizing at the national level has a major impact on a local level. Previous sequestration cuts reduced the national Army size from 572,000 troops to 490,000, and now another round of cuts faces military posts around the country, including our own at Fort Lee.

If average cuts were applied at Fort Lee, the 2020 structure alignment could result in a potential loss of 3,538 local Army positions, including soldiers and civilians. This would lead to a loss of more than 4,900 total jobs, $243 million drop in income, $338 million drop in sales and 1.9 percent population loss. These revenue losses will impact the region's large and small businesses alike.   

The U.S. Army is holding a "listening session" on Jan. 8, 2015 at the Army Logistics University at 6:00pm to allow for public input. This is your opportunity to show your support for Fort Lee in the face of these potential cuts.