 |
||||
Thank you for visiting my Senate Web site. One of the most important parts of my job as Senator is to help provide services and information to my constituents in North Dakota.
I hope you find this Web site both useful and interesting. 
|
PressDelegation, Communities Pull Out All The Stops in Making The
Case for North Dakota's Bases
|
|||
Grand Forks – Backed by thousands of supporters of North Dakotas air bases, Senators Kent Conrad, Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy laid out a persuasive case today to three members of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission at a field hearing at the Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks. The North Dakota lawmakers stressed the critical importance of the Fargo and Grand Forks bases to the nations overall defense structure, and argued they have all the assets for garnering expanded missions. “Our presentation to the BRAC Commission was both compelling and convincing. We highlighted the stellar performance of both the 119th Fighter Wing and the 319th Air Refueling Wing and the vital role they play in our nations defense,” the delegation said in a joint statement. The delegations presentation focused on how the bases are critical to the future needs of our nations military. Senator Dorgan cited Fargo and Grand Forks air quality, lack of encroachment and open airspace as reasons the region should be attractive to the military for 30 years into the future. Senator Conrads presentation stressed how the bases can embrace the upcoming missions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Congressman Pomeroy emphasized the outstanding facilities at the installations and how the performance of the units demonstrates their ability to take on additional missions. The hearing, which under BRAC Commission guidelines was organized by the states senior senator, Senator Conrad, was preceded by 24 hours of events aimed at rallying community support for the bases. The public convened outside the entrance to Grand Forks Air Force Base Wednesday before and after the commissioners tour. And as the commissioners made their way to the Chester Fritz Auditorium this morning, they were greeted by hundreds of sign-waving supporters who lined the route along University Avenue. “The communities have just been terrific,” the delegation said. “You cant overstate the role of the public in making sure the commissioners understand the support the Fargo and Grand Forks bases have in our communities. The bases are part of our economic base here in North Dakota, but theyre also part of our culture and way of life.” From here, the BRAC Commission will visit other bases around the country slated for realignment or closure. It must send President Bush its recommendations by September 8, 2005. The following individuals joined Senator Dorgan, Senator Conrad and Congressman Pomeroy in testifying at todays hearing: Senators Mark Dayton and Norm Coleman of Minnesota; North Dakota Governor John Hoeven; Grand Forks Base Retention Chairman John Marshall; Gen. Ronald Fogleman, U.S. Air Force (Ret); East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss; Grand Forks City Council President Hal Gershman; Fargo Base Retention Chairman Dick Walstad; Major General Mike Haugen; Major General A.P. Macdonald (Ret.); Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness. The witnesses gave an approximately two-hour presentation to three members of the BRAC Commission: James Bilbray, a former U.S. representative from Nevada; Philip Coyle of California, a former assistant secretary of defense; and Samuel Knox Skinner of Illinois, a former secretary of transportation. |
Final
BRAC Report to be Delivered to President Conrad,
Hoeven celebrate BRAC victory Senator
Conrad updates North Dakota on BRAC activities Delegation
Announces that Grand Forks Air Base Will Remain Open Senator Conrad's Statements Opening
Statement from Senator Conrad Closing
Statement from Senator Conrad Conrad
Applauds Grand Forks for Abilene Trophy Honor Senator
Conrad's Ope Letter to the People of North Dakota Important Links Department of Defense BRAC Information
|
