BRAC Regional Task Force
News Release
Contact:
Paul Dordal
(910) 436-1345
pdordal@bracrtf.com
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE
“ALL AMERICAN DEFENSE CORRIDOR”
Spring Lake Family Resource Center, Spring Lake, N.C. (September 20, 2007)
At 2:00 pm today, Lt. Governor Bev Perdue is announcing the establishment of the “ALL AMERICAN DEFENSE CORRIDOR”. "North Carolina has a tremendous opportunity to create a new defense and homeland security sector to provide 21st century job opportunities for our people. The creation of the all American Defense Corridor sends a powerful signal that North Carolina is indeed the most military friendly state in America" says Lt. Governor Perdue. The corridor will capitalize on what local and state leaders believe is a tremendous opportunity to establish the foundation for an emerging defense industry in North Carolina. The corridor evolved from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Regional Task Force initiatives for the eleven counties surrounding Ft. Bragg to transform the regional economy and workforce to meet the needs of emerging Defense and Homeland Security related requirements. The move of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) offers a significant catalyst for attracting state and regional economic growth in the military preparedness and homeland security sectors. FORSCOM alone, with senior level Army decision makers and its estimated $30B annual obligation authority for defense and other contracts, provides unmatched opportunities for enterprising businesses who want to compete for these dollars. Establishing the All American Defense Corridor in this region is an initial step in state and regional efforts to emphasize and promote the strengths inherent to a defense industry sector in North Carolina. NC strengths that will be linked to DOD and Homeland Security requirements include:
Ø World class research and development capabilities at RTP and throughout the UNC system. The defense corridor establishes the foundation for linking the superb research and development capabilities in North Carolina with DOD programs and industry partners.
Ø North Carolina will have the third largest military presence of any state in the country and Ft Bragg will be the largest Army post by population in the country. Identifying and meeting the equipment and service requirements of our military installations was one of the factors in establishing a defense corridor.
Ø The corridor contains an excellent transportation network and infrastructure: roads, interstate highways and rail service; international and regional airports and Global TransPark – all are in the corridor or within easy reach.
Ø A highly trained and professional workforce exists in the Ft Bragg area and within other areas of the corridor. Recognizing the growing high technology workforce needs in the region, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded the BRAC RTF a $5M grant in July 2007 which will concentrate on the development of a skilled workforce that is matched to defense industry needs.
Ø Quality of life is a significant factor in attracting new business and defense companies to North Carolina and the outstanding recreational opportunities ranging from our beautiful beaches to arts and culture and world class golf are available in our newly established corridor.
The All American Defense Corridor will integrate public and private initiatives and programs that already exist in North Carolina to build a stronger defense industry cluster in this region. The state headquarters for the NC Military Business Center and the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator are located in the corridor. Will Austin, the Executive Director of the NC Military Foundation states: “The North Carolina Military Foundation, a non-partisan organization funded solely by private industry and led by some of the nation’s most respected military leaders and the state’s pre-eminent corporate citizens, is committed to developing the state’s defense and homeland security economy. The Foundation is excited about the announcement of the All American Defense Corridor and we look forward to working with the BRAC Regional Task Force to ensure its success. “
The All American Defense Corridor will be a powerful tool for linking the strengths associated with military and Homeland Security programs, attracting defense related industry and transforming the economy of the region.
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