December 15, 2009 - Bill Advances BRAC Cleanup

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The fiscal year 2010 omnibus appropriations bill awaiting President Obama's signature includes $496 million for the Base Realignment and Closing Legacy Account for bases shuttered prior to 2005.

The funds represent an increase of $38 million over fiscal year 2009 ($458 million), but a decrease of $40 million from the $536 million the House Appropriations Committee was seeking.

Congressman Farr released the following statement:

"It's a good sign that we continue to see increases in funding for cleanup activities at our closed military bases, but I hope those numbers climb even higher. The $536 million agreement reached in the House Appropriations Committee was a more responsible figure, and I will work to see that it is reached next year.

"We began the process of closing surplus bases two decades ago, but we still have many sites that are contaminated with toxic materials and unexploded ordnance. We have a responsibility to address these environmental and safety concerns, and the only way we can do that is by increasing the funds dedicated to cleanup work.

"It's even more important during these tough economic times that we clean up these bases and make them available for economic development as quickly as possible. Communities across America played host to military bases to secure our country; it's only fair that we turn these properties back over to civilian hands in safe condition."