Last
August, Gov. Chris Gregoire and members of the Congressional delegation called
together representatives from across the state to discuss five issues:
(1)
Involvement and support from local elected officials in military-supporting organization’s activities;
(2)
Preparation of a short presentation of these organization’s current activities;
(3)
Commissioning an analysis and report of Washington’s strengths and challenges
for military mission retention and expansion;
(4)
Funding the report; and a
(5)
Schedule for future meetings.
In
addition to input on these issues, the group wanted to hear thoughts and
recommendations for making a Washington Military Alliance a success. The
goal was to identify and resolve any issues and achieve a common understanding.
As
a result, the group established an aggressive timeline for a study to assess
the strengths and opportunities Washington State has to offer the DoD as it
implements its strategic plans and to provide a comprehensive report, including
recommendations as to how the State can assist in promoting military mission
retention and expansion.
That
report, available here, will be an important tool in demonstrating to the DoD and military policy
makers that maintaining and expanding military missions, as well as growing
military contracting in Washington State, promotes national security and is a
wise fiscal investment.
Based
on the recommendations of the study, the Governor’s proposed budget included
funding for a Director of Military Affairs, competitive matching grant funds to
assist local communities address particular needs to support their base and
matching funds to modernize and replace schools on JBLM.
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