For Release: Friday, August 26, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
U.S. CONGRESSMAN JERRY COSTELLO PLEASED WITH BRAC COMMISSION VOTES REGARDING SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE
Washington - U.S. Congressmen Jerry Costello issued a statement today regarding the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission unanimously voting to approve the Department of Defense recommendations which would bring additional missions to Scott AFB.
Costello said, "Scott Air Force Base is a vital and integral part of our area and our nation's defense system, and I am very pleased that the Department of Defense recommended and the BRAC commission approved bringing new jobs and additional missions to Scott AFB. This is the culmination of 10 years of pursuing ways to strengthen Scott by upgrading facilities, adding missions and improving the quality of life for the men and women at Scott."
"I continue to credit the hard work of many groups, organizations and individuals for helping to save Scott:: the Illinois Congressional delegation, notably Speaker Dennis Hastert; state officials, including Governor Blagojevich and former Governor Ryan and local officials from all over the region".
FINAL BRAC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCOTT:
- Adding 800 net jobs.
- Receive 8 newer model KC-135Rs from Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND. The older model KC-135Es currently at Scott would be retired. The planes will be part of the 126th Air Refueling Wing.
- Receive Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command from Fort Eustis, VA. This is the Army's version of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command, which is headquartered at Scott.
- An Air Force Logistics Support Center will be located at Scott, drawing on five major command regional supply squads that are being realigned.
The BRAC Commission's list now goes to the President for review. He has until November 7, 2005 to certify the list before it is sent to Congress for a vote.
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