WARNER ROBINS -- A recommendation for a new Base Realignment and Closure Commission still has to get through Congress, but supporters of Robins Air Force Base aren’t waiting around to mobilize.
The 21st Century Partnership, a community organization that supports the base, already is working to raise money it will need to defend it.
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard, senior adviser for the partnership, said a substantial amount of money will be needed. As soon as BRAC is approved, which he expects to happen, the partnership will be contracting for 10 to 15 studies that will be needed to demonstrate the base’s military value.
“We are working very hard to get large businesses and foundations and people who have great interest in the viability of Middle Georgia to help focus and fund that activity,” Goddard said. “We are in a fundraising mode right now.”
While military value is BRAC’s sole consideration, Goddard said, it encompasses a lot, including quality of life issues for the military members.
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced Thursday that President Obama will ask Congress to approve a new BRAC. The proposal is expected to call for a BRAC in 2013 and another in 2015.
Goddard said he considers it unlikely Congress will approve two BRACs in two years, but he does expect one will be approved, most likely for 2013.
For more on this story, come back to macon.com and read Friday’s Telegraph.
