In the mist of Aberdeen Proving Ground’s base realignment, which is expected to bring thousands of high-end jobs to Harford County and Maryland, the post is looking to revamp itself even more with the creation of a national anti-terrorism training center in the Edgewood area.
Two private companies ? LCOR and Weston Solutions ? have formed a partnership and are in negotiation with U.S. Army officials at Aberdeen Proving Ground to develop a state-of-the-art anti-terrorism training facility in the area of Lauderick Creek. According to Michael Smith of LCOR, though the project is still in the initial planning stages, the training facility is expected to cost $300 million and occupy about 1,300 acres of land in the Edgewood area of the post.
“This would be the largest anti-terrorism training facility in the country, and perhaps the world,” Smith said Wednesday. He said that the center would also provide a live range, lodging for trainees, and training in mock environments such as airports, urban setting and maritime facilities.
“There appears to be a tremendous need,” Smith said. The anti-terrorism training facility would not only serve as a training ground for members of the armed forces, but also for law enforcement agencies around the country.
LCOR and Westin have joined together to form the APG Development Partners, which includes numerous other businesses along the East Coast, for the project. According to a press release issued by the partnership, APG Development Partners have signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Army to develop the facility.
“We?re still very early in the process,” said George Mercer of the APG public affairs office.
Referring to the numerous environmental issues that have faced the Lauderick Creek area for years, Mercer said before any development was to be done in that area of APG, a study and cleanup needed to be conducted. The terms of the memorandum of understanding will expire in approximately 120 days, during which time APG Development Partners will develop a business and lease plan. At the conclusion of the 120 days, development of the property is expected to begin.
