The many lower-wage service jobs expected to come to Howard to support the federal base realignment at Fort Meade could further complicate the county?s concern over affordable housing, officials said.

“BRAC will further challenge two areas, for sure: affordable housing and transportation,” said Kent Menser, executive director of Howard?s Base Realignment and Closure office, speaking at a conference Tuesday hosted by the county?s Chamber of Commerce. “That?s a very tough issue.”