Ten jurisdictions in the state signed a memorandum of understanding in preparation for the massive growth in jobs and households resulting from the Base Realignment and Closure process.
Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties; and the city of Laurel and Baltimore City agree that by coordinating regional and local efforts, officials can address fully the effects and economic opportunities.
Harford has its on memorandum with other jurisdictions in three states, focusing on the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
In the next five to seven years, about 22,000 jobs are expected to come to the Fort Meade area.
Bob Leib, BRAC coordinator for Anne Arundel, talked to The Examiner about the development of the memorandum.
What’s the history behind this memorandum of understanding?
BRAC was first announced in 2005. In early 2006, Anne Arundel, Howard and the city of Laurel were the original members of a growth management committee. We soon determined that BRAC and other growth was a much larger issue for only the three jurisdictions to handle by themselves.
What’s the purpose now?
We’ve been gradually expanding this committee into its present state.
The memorandum was initiated by Anne Arundel. This memorandum of understanding is a reaffirmation that we believe [BRAC and other growth] will require both local and regional solutions.
What’s an area where such cooperation can be evident?
We’re looking to see how we can study providing emergency services from a regional standpoint, preparing for both a natural or man-made disaster.
The topic is going to be how we’re going to be able to garner resources in a real regional disaster.
