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St. Mary’s County approves $75,000 memorandum with Southern Maryland Navy Alliance to study BRAC-related issues
Summary
Commissioners authorized a $75,000 memorandum of understanding with the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance to fund a local study of issues related to base realignment and readiness; one commissioner recorded a nay during the vote.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance on May 28, 2013 that commits $75,000 from the county for fiscal 2013 to support a study of issues surrounding a possible future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action affecting Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Steve Anderson, director of the Department of Economic and Community Development, told commissioners the county-led analysis will assemble data and local context to help both county planners and regional partners respond if the Department of Defense undertakes any relocation of assets. Anderson said the study is intended to address “our own issues” and to provide defensible local information that can be used in broader state and regional planning.
The MOU and funding will go to the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance to support a survey, data collection and strategy work to prepare the county and its partners for potential force-structure changes. Anderson said the county is coordinating the project with the state BRAC director and other regional partners but that this specific analysis is a county-directed effort.
Commissioners voted to authorize Commissioner President Jack Russell to execute the agreement and to expend the $75,000. Commissioner Cynthia Jones moved approval; Commissioner Todd B. Morgan seconded. The motion passed with one nay.
Why it matters: NAS Patuxent River is a major local employer and economic anchor; the county said the study will provide local-level analysis to inform responses to any future federal decisions affecting the base.
Quote "This particular analysis is ours," Anderson said when describing the study proposal and how it differs from broader state work.
Action details - Action: Approve and authorize execution of MOU and $75,000 appropriation for FY2013 to the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance to support development of a BRAC-related study. - Mover: Commissioner Cynthia Jones; Second: Commissioner Todd B. Morgan. - Vote: Approved, one nay recorded.
Next steps County staff said the Alliance will receive the funds to begin the study and county staff will coordinate with state and regional partners. Commissioners requested follow-up briefings as the study moves forward.
