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Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009

We all have something to gain or lose in costly projects to support the base

While we all cling to our separate identities attached to Bibb, Houston, Jones, Twiggs, Crawford and Peach counties, we are all invariably linked — and our futures depend on how well we work together. Much of the heavy lifting will be found in Houston and Bibb counties. For example, The G-RAMP (Georgia-Robins Aerospace Maintenance Partnership) project that will cost as much as $70 million to build. Last week, all the mayoral candidates for Warner Robins pledged to find private money to put into the project. Warner Robins and Houston County leaders can’t be expected to pay more than their fair shares. After all, the benefits from the project will flow throughout Middle Georgia, and it will show the Pentagon how this total community supports the military effort and the billions of dollars that flow from Robins Air Force Base.

There also needs to be cooperation in solving the property issues in Bibb County north of the base. You’ll remember the area is within noise and crash contours that are unacceptable to the Air Force. If the issue isn’t addressed or well into the process, it is a blemish that could hurt our area severely if not addressed. While the shadow of another Base Realignment a Closure Commission is not top of mind now, it should be. We cannot wait until another BRAC is staring us in the face to take action, as to tarry could be fatal for the future of the base. Each BRAC process escalates the inherent competition and the small margins of difference become more important.

Like G-RAMP, the only issue is money — and lots of it. Bibb is prepared to do its share and the governor has pledged to do what he can once Bibb and Houston pull an agreement together. This should not wait. It is a priority.

Can you imagine the gnashing of teeth we would experience if the choices come down to, say, Oklahoma ALC (Tinker Air Force Base) and Robins? Both with excellent records and wide community support, except for one bit of unfinished business. The noise and crash contours could be the deciding factor as to which base continues to operate. Time to get busy and identify the funds to address the issue. If we don’t, it won’t matter whether we have G-RAMP.

— Charles E. Richardson,

for the Editorial Board