For Release: Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

ILLINOIS DELEGATION DISCUSSES BRAC

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today met with other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation and State of Illinois officials to discuss the upcoming Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in 2005.  The group has been working to protect Illinois' military assets, including Scott Air Force Base (AFB), the Rock Island Arsenal and Illinois Air National Guard bases in Peoria and Springfield.  The legislators agreed that Illinois was well-prepared for the release of the initial base closure list next month. 

"We feel that we have presented the best possible case for why Scott and the other Illinois facilities should be retained," said Costello.  "While there are not guarantees, we feel good about our position and we will continue to work closely as the BRAC process unfolds."

The initial base closure list will be released by the Department of Defense by May 16.  The BRAC commissioners, which have been appointed by President Bush, will then review the list and propose any changes by September 8.  President Bush then has until September 23 to approve that list.

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