Washington, D.C., Oct 31 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) yesterday was presented a Distinguished Leadership Award from the Crater Planning District Commission for his pivotal role in the expansion of Fort Lee and his efforts to support the surrounding localities through the growth process.

The award was presented at a celebration of Fort Lee’s growing economic impact on the Tri-cities region. Forbes was the first person to receive the Commission’s Distinguished Leadership Award.

“Congressman Forbes has worked hard to ensure that Fort Lee has the necessary resources to accommodate the doubling of its daily population, while at the same time supporting Fort Lee’s neighboring localities to plan and prepare for the opportunities that will come to the region as a result of that growth,” said Petersburg Mayor Annie Mickens, Chair of the Crater Planning District Commission. “No one wants to even think about the aftershocks to this region had Fort Lee been closed or significantly downsized.”

“I have been very fortunate in my time representing Virginia's Fourth Congressional District to participate in the growth of Fort Lee, most notably through the recent BRAC process. Fort Lee is a critical component not only to our overall military readiness, but to our surrounding localities as well. The successes we see today at Fort Lee and in the surrounding localities could not have come to fruition without the strategic partnership between Fort Lee and local officials. They have continually worked together to bring the most benefits to the region," said Forbes. “I am proud of this partnership, and it is an honor to receive this award.” 

Since 2005 BRAC, the federal government has invested over $400 million in the region. The gain at Fort Lee will include over 11,000 new jobs, 4,000 of which are indirect non-governmental base support and service industry jobs. According to a study conducted by the Virginia Employment Commission, from 2007 through 2013 total taxes could increase to $580 million, bringing $200 million in revenue to surrounding localities.

Congressman Forbes is Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee. His work on the most recent BRAC process helped to keep Fort Lee and the Defense Supply Center Richmond open.