For Immediate Release:

July 30, 2014

 

Call on elected officials to preserve and support federal bases

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution urging elected officials at all levels of New Jersey government to work together to promote the preservation, growth and development of military facilities in New Jersey.

 

“New Jersey’s Federal military bases are an intricate part of our State’s past, present and future,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “They have a rich history and they contribute positively to our state’s economy.”

 

“Rutgers conducted a study which showed that the Federal government spent nearly $4.8 billion within the state and generated 45,600 jobs,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr. “These jobs pay $2.6 billion in salaries and add $3.8 billion of wealth to New Jersey residents.”

 

The Rutgers Economic Advisor Service recently conducted a study measuring and modeling the economic contribution to the state’s economy by Federal Military installations.

 

“In addition to the jobs directly generated by the military bases, there are an additional 72,234 jobs that supported the Federal bases and the communities in which they are located,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “We must support these military bases; they provide jobs and security for our residents.”

 

The measure was approved unanimously at the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting on July 24.

 

“In this time of fiscal conservation, policymakers in our Nation’s Capital will be asked to consider proposals to reduce defense spending and the size of our uniformed services,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “The Board is asking that the Governor and all elected officials in New Jersey take immediate steps to protect these valuable military assets by recognizing their vital importance to our national and local security.”

 

“All New Jersey military bases make significant individual and collective contributions to the capabilities of our Armed Forces and our National Security,” said Freeholder John P. Curley. “Maintaining and expanding this military core is nearly as critical for New Jersey’s continued economic welfare as it is to its homeland security missions.”

 

A copy of the resolution has been sent to Governor Chris Christie, President of the New Jersey State Senate Steve Sweeney, Speaker of the General Assembly Vincent Prieto, the Monmouth County Legislative Delegation, all other Boards of Chosen Freeholders and Monmouth County municipalities.

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