An Army official told the Harford County Council Tuesday night that economists predict the county will see 54,000 incoming residents from the federal Base Realignment and Closure initiative.
Col. John Wright, the deputy installation commander for Aberden Proving Ground, made the first BRAC presentation at a council meeting, attempting to prepare it for a population explosion that could strain the county?s infrastructure.
“We?re trying to be ready inside the gate, and give you as much information as we can, so you can be ready outside the gate,” Wright said.
He said that fewer than 50 people already have moved from Fort Monmouth, N.J., though most are expected to relocate around the year 2010.
About 8,200 more civilians will work at APG, meaning that 30,000 people will be going in and out of the base every day, taxing roads like Route 22, which is already notoriously well-traveled, even more, Wright said.
The Army is allowing private developers to build on excess land on APG to house incoming employees, a process known as “enhanced leasing,” which Wright said provides a higher quality of life.
“That?s all fine and great, but these companies aren?t [adding] to the tax base in Harford County,” Council President Billy Boniface said in an interview Wednesday. The base is tax exempt, and Boniface said there?s “no reason” the federal government couldn?t do more to help the county.
Other council members expressed frustration over the lack of help they?ve received.
“Base realignment has happened, and your comments tonight are well taken: They?re coming,” Councilman “Cap?n” Jim McMahan said to Wright. “My colleagues and I are still groping in the dark for fiscal assistance.”
Wright said he?s urged the government to provide more help to the county.
Army representatives will continue to update the council at meetings every three or four months, Boniface said.
“BRAC is probably the most important thing that?s going to happen to the county in a long time,” he said. “It?s just helpful to hear from ground zero.”
