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Battle Creek official briefs Calhoun County on BRAC risks and local economic ties
Summary
Jan Burland outlined BRAC history, the Federal Center’s local economic footprint (federal payrolls, contractors, indirect jobs) and community assets supporting retention, and highlighted BRAC timeline dates in 2005.
Jan Burland, director of corporate projects for Battle Creek Unlimited, told the Calhoun County Board the Base Realignment and Closure process was intended to depoliticize downsizing of Department of Defense facilities and that prior BRAC rounds closed numerous bases nationwide.
Burland said the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center and nearby military assets support about 3,000 employees within a 30-mile radius, describing a federal employee payroll she put at $82.5 million plus contractor payroll and indirect effects. She also said local Guard and reserve facilities and construction projects contribute tens of millions in annual income and near-term construction activity.
Burland highlighted community assets—shared emergency services, mutual aid, a fiber-optic ring with dedicated strands, planning actions to prevent encroachment around the airport, and a local Citizens Base Retention Committee—that she said strengthen the area’s BRAC posture. She reviewed BRAC calendar milestones for 2005, including dates for the Secretary of Defense’s submission to the commission, presidential review and certification.
Commissioners asked whether employee age or the Commission’s membership might affect outcomes; Burland said age discussions focused on payroll cost and that there were concerns about midwestern representation on the Commission but noted coordination with regional congressional offices.
No formal action was taken after the briefing.
