Seven counties around Aberdeen Proving Ground will reap 28,000 new jobs and absorb 45,000 new residents as a result of growth at the military base, says a new study.
Most of the new jobs, households and tax revenue will go to Harford, Baltimore and Cecil counties, according to the study, released Friday by Sage Policy Group Inc., a Baltimore-based consultant.
But accommodating the growth resulting from Base Realignment and Closure will require that the counties undertake planned improvements to roads and ensure enough schools and office space, the study said.
“All that has to happen is the implementation of existing plans,” said Anirban Basu, an economist and president of Sage. “As long as those things move forward and as long as they?re implemented well, the region should be able to accommodate this growth.
“The challenge is to recognize that and use those future resources now to prepare for BRAC growth,” he said.
Basu said the region should have the school space, but redistricting ? often unpopular ? may be necessary.
Sage?s study says its numbers can change as the 2011 deadline for the BRAC moves draws closer, said senior analyst John Duberg.
Based on the new estimates of where households will locate, how many children they?ll bring and how much revenue new jobs will generate, the counties can revise plans or stay on course as necessary, said James Richardson, Harford?s economic development director.
BY THE NUMBERS
BRAC, according to the study?s estimates, will bring to Harford, Cecil and Baltimore counties; Baltimore City; York and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania; and New Castle County in Delaware.:
* 45,000 residents
* 16,700 households
* 11,000 school-age children
